bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Bifidobacterium lactis on the Growth of Infants: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Steenhout Philippe G. , Rochat Florence , Hager Corinne
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the growth of the newborn infant. It is therefore essential that mothers who cannot breastfeed or choose not to are provided with alternatives that closely match the composition and functionality of breast milk. This study aimed to investigate the growth effects of probiotic-supplemented formulas on both healthy and vulnerable populations of infants. Methods: A meta-analysis of data from 5 randomized controlled clinical trials that included infants fed formulas containing a probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-3446 was performed (n = 525). A sub-analysis was performed among infants of HIV-positive mothers (n = 120). Growth measurements (gain in weight and body mass index, BMI, from enrollment to 120 days) were compared between infants fed a formula containing B. lactis and those fed a control formula. Changes in length and Z-scores were also compared. Results: Formula with B.lactis was demonstrated to be at least as good as formula without B. lactis in the meta-analysis of 5 studies. The lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the differences in mean weight gain (95% CI 0.09–2.93 g/day) was above the predefined non-inferiority margin of –3.0 g/day. Moreover, among infants with HIV-positive mothers, weight gain of those taking B. lactis was significantly higher than of those not taking B. lactis, by 3.1 g/day (95% CI 0.4–5.8 g/day, p = 0.0226) and the BMI gains were significantly higher, by 6.4 g/m2/day (95% CI 0.0.3–12.5 g/m2/day, p = 0.0400). The corresponding weight for age and BMI Z-scores were also significantly higher, by 0.37 (95% CI 0.03–0.71, p = 0.0308) and by 0.42 (95% CI 0.02–0.83, p = 0.0377), respectively, whereas differences in length gain or length-for-age Z-score were not significant. Among infants in the non-HIV mothers group, there were no significant differences between infants fed formulas with or without B. lactis, for any of the growth parameters. Conclusions: The analysis suggests that B. lactis may have a positive effect on growth in vulnerable populations, specifically in infants born to mothers with HIV.
Nevus comedonicus with Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis
Authors: Aloi F.G. , Molinero A.
Published: October 2009

A 7-year-old girl had a linear nevus comedonicus affecting the right upper limb. Histologic examination of two biopsies specimens showed both the common changes of nevus comedonicus and the presence of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Therefore, nevus comedonicus should be included in the list of dermatoses having the distinctive histologic pattern of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.
Response of Male Acne to Antiandrogen Therapy with Cyproterone Acetate
Authors: Misch K.J. , Dolman W.F.G. , Neild V. , Rhodes E.L.
Published: October 2009

The antiandrogen cyproterone acetate, which is known to suppress sebum production, but is not a standard therapy, was given in combination with tetracycline to 63 young unmarried men who had failed to respond to 6 months’ tetracycline therapy alone. Fifty-seven patients responded and the mean time to clearance was 5.2 months’ therapy. The main side effects were nodular sub-nipple breast swellings, which occurred in 13 cases (21%). Such side effects were reversible and cleared after 3–4 months following cessation of therapy. Eighty-eight percent of patients relapsed within 3 months of discontinuing therapy.
Superficial Spreading Capillary Hemangioma
Authors: Mihara Motoyuki , Kambe Naoto , Shimao Shuhei
Published: October 2009

A 57-year-old Japanese woman had a history of several years of a slowly growing, dark red plaque on the sole of her foot without any subjective symptoms. Histopathologically, the lesion was a capillary hemangioma which showed a lobular structure composed of newly formed capillaries. Each lobule was separated by thin elongated rete ridges. The lesions was definitely circumscribed in papillary and subpapillary layers and appeared to extend laterally.
Lymphomatoid Papulosis: Remission following Intravenously Administered Acyclovir
Authors: Baumgartner G. , Duschet P. , Schwarz T. , Partsch H. , Gschnait F. , Stacher A.
Published: October 2009

In a 54-year-old male patient suffering from Hodgkin’s disease, lymphomatoid papulosis occurred. Complete clearing of the skin lesions was observed immediately after intravenously administered acyclovir. The patient had numerous relapses of his skin eruption with complete responses after each course of intravenously applied acyclovir. This striking therapeutic effect parallels reports of regression of mycosis fungoides and chronic generalized lymphadenopathy after acyclovir application. The mode of action of acyclovir in these disorders is not known. They all are characterized by involvement of the T cell system, and in all these diseases, a virus etiology has been proved or is suggested. Thus, a specific effect of acyclovir on T lymphocytes or selectively on helper T cells is discussed. Alternatively, the virustatic effect of acyclovir could be responsible for the therapeutic success.
Stellenwert des Lymphozytentransformationstests für die Bestimmung des Immunstatus
Authors: Schuppli R.
Published: October 2009

Studies on lymphocyte stimulation in vitro were carried out with various perspectives. Apart from the well-known mitogens such as PHA and ConA, Candida extract and mercury ions had a relatively strong stimulatory effect, mistletoe extract a moderate one, nickel ions and trichophytin none at all. In malignant lymphomas the degree of stimulation was greatly reduced. In malignant melanomas the degree of stimulation, which at the beginning was often quite low, increased during the course of treatment. There was no correlation between the response to recall antigens and the degree of lymphocyte stimulation. The lymphocyte stimulation test did not prove reliable for the detection of drug allergies.
Under Heel Foot Wart
Authors: Laffitte F. , Chavoin J.P. , Bonafé J.L. , Costagliola M.
Published: October 2009

Using carbon dioxide laser, the authors proved the existence of a new type of wart, localized under the heel. Its considerable extension between the dermis and epidermis, far from the visible excrescence, may explain the absence of positive response to classical treatment in some cases.
Staphylococcus aureus Skin Colonization in Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: Hauser C. , Wuethrich B. , Matter L. , Wilhelm J.A. , Sonnabend W. , Schopfer K.
Published: October 2009

A study was conducted to compare the Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization of 21 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 22 healthy controls. It was found that the total aerobe count (total CFU/cm2), the S. aureus fraction thereof and the S. aureus carrier frequency were significantly higher in apparently normal skin of AD patients than in healthy individuals. In addition, compared to normal skin of patients S. aureus density was 100 to 1,000 times higher in the 3 different kinds of lesional skin (dermatitic, lichenified and impetiginized sites). 190 S. aureus strains isolated from the skin of AD patients were tested for sensitivity to 5 topically used antibiotics and the results reported. Besides the biological consequences for the person affected by AD this severe colonization with S. aureus is of epidemiological importance. Several outbreaks of S. aureus infections by dispersal from dermatitic skin have been described. Therefore some preventive and therapeutic aspects are discussed.
Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Barth J.H. , Darley C.R. , Gibson J.R.
Published: October 2009

A controlled trial of contact allergen therapy of alopecia areata (AA) using squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) was performed on 17 patients. The right side of the patient’s scalp was treated and the left side acted as an untreated control. Minimal signs of terminal hair growth were present in only 3 patients after 8–12 weeks of therapy. A majority of patients experienced adverse effects which led to the early withdrawal of 2 patients and the premature termination of the trial. We do not recommend the use of SADBE in the treatment of AA.
Mélanome malin bulleux
Authors: Pierard G.E.
Published: October 2009

We report the histological aspect of a superficial malignant melanoma in which a large bulla spontaneously formed by disruption of the cohesion between neoplastic cells and the epidermis. The neoplastic proliferation evaluated by incorporation of tritiated thymidine was moderately low.
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma with Cartilaginous Metaplasia
Authors: Grunwald M.H. , Rothem A. , Feuerman E.J.
Published: October 2009

A rare case of cartilaginous metaplasia within a metastatic malignant melanoma is described in a 58-year-old female.
Skleromyxödem Arndt-Gottron und assoziierte Phänomene
Authors: Lang E. , Zabel M. , Schmidt H.
Published: October 2009

Scleromyxedema is an uncommon fibromucinous connective tissue disease characterized by accumulation of mucinous material in the dermis. A monoclonal paraprotein is regularly identified. A review of the literature (57 cases) shows the exceptional association of scleromyxedema with multiple myeloma (8.7%) and macroglobulinemia Waldenström (3.5%). A man with scleromyxedema, IgG lambda paraproteinemia, and sclerodactylia – as a special sign of scleromyxedema – is reported. Melphalan is the drug of choice in serious cases, but not effective in sclerodactylia.
Pigmentation Induced in Vitiligo by Normal Skin Grafts and PUVA Stimulation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bonafé J.L. , Lassere J. , Chavoin J.P. , Baro J.P. , Jeune R.
Published: October 2009

In patients, autografts of normal skin (total skin including hair follicles) were performed in vitiliginous patches, then followed by photochemotherapy. This association induced pigmentation from the edges of the achromic areas and/or from the grafts. This procedure is proposed for the treatment of recalcitrant and small plaques of vitiligo.
Pityriasis amiantacea and Psoriasis
Authors: Hansted B. , Lindskov R.
Published: October 2009

59 patients with pityriasis amiantacea (PA) were followed up after 8 years on average. 15% had suffered from psoriasis and 19% were aware of psoriasis in their relatives. The incidence of psoriasis was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the Scandinavian population, and the predisposition to psoriasis was significantly higher than in the population (p < 0.001), but significantly lower (p < 0.01) than in psoriatic patients. PA seems to be a manifestation of psoriasis in many cases.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Metastasierung von Karzinomen
Authors: Schnitzer A.
Published: October 2009

By elimination of immune defenses, high doses of cortisone may cause precancerosis to degenerate into cancer. If cancer is already in existence, elimination of the immune defenses leads to a massive activation of the carcinoma, to anaplastic modification of the cancer cells, and to the most alarming development, the forming of metastases. These findings from the experiments performed show very clearly that the fate of cancer patients largely depends upon the reaction of local and general defenses. Further considerations demonstrate the importance of defense reactions in the pathogenesis of carcinomas and other malignant growths. It is concluded that research can only grasp the pathogenesis of carcinomas and other malignomas if – in a differentiated way – it concerns itself with the gradual diminution of the defense factors during the time of latency in the development of the malignant disease. It is in this context that we may find the possibility of therapeutic influence upon the development of cancer.
Hyperpigmented Small Spots Induced by Long-Term PUVA Therapy
Authors: Schneider B. , Vogel A. , Zisiadis S. , Panizzon R. , Groh V.
Published: October 2009

Among 308 photochemotherapy (PUVA)-treated patients, 15 psoriatics and 1 case of mycosis fungoides developed persistent disseminated hyperpigmented small spots at the trunk and limbs as a side effect of the therapy. The histological, histochemical and electron microscopical studies performed on 5 of the patients revealed a greatly increased number of melanocytes in the macules, hyperactivity of the melanocytes and increased transfer of pigment to dermis and keratinocytes. Moreover, binucleated cells were found as well as multifarious signs of melanocytic damage in varying degrees. Similar alterations but less pronounced were observed in the intermacular skin. Some of the changes could be recognized even 7 months after the treatment had been stopped. The PUVA spots are compared with other etiologically light-dependent hyperpigmentations.
Psoriasis and Normouricemic Gout
Authors: Lundquist Cole D. , Aronson Iris K. , Henderson Thomas W. , Skosey John L. , Solomon Lawrence M.
Published: October 2009

A patient with moderately extensive psoriasis developed acute gouty arthritis while receiving topical corticosteroid and tar therapy. The serum uric acid levels were normal before, during, and after the acute gouty episode. Patients predisposed to gout by virtue of an appropriate associated condition should be evaluated for gout even in the presence of normal serum uric acid.
Earliest Clinical and Histological Changes in Psoriasis
Authors: Chowaniec O. , Jablońska S. , Beutner E.H. , Proniewska M. , Jarząbek-Chorzelska M. , Rzęsa G.
Published: October 2009

Studies were performed in 89 patients with active psoriasis and in 10 normal volunteers. Areas of uninvolved skin of 10 × 10 cm in size were demarcated and closely observed for 14 days. In 54 patients with psoriasis, there developed very fine, erythematous papules almost at skin level (with no scaling of the surface), which changed in the course of observation into typical pinpoint papules. Histological and histochemical studies of these finest changes, referred to as prepinpoint papules, revealed fairly abundant infiltrates composed in a large part of polymorphonuclears. The cells penetrated into the epidermis forming focally small accumulations in the stratum corneum. The granular layer became atrophied or blurred, the stratum corneum was orthokeratotic and there was no epidermal proliferation, i.e. no psoriatic features. Immunofluorescence studies showed in about 50% of prepinpoint papules in vivo fixed immunoglobulins, and in 20% of them also complement. The studies point to the role of polymorphonuclears in the earliest stages of the development of psoriatic lesions.
Human Papilloma Virus Type I Purified from Human Genital Warts
Authors: Staquet M.J. , Viac J. , Bustamante R. , Thivolet J.
Published: October 2009

Human wart virus (HPV) was isolated from a pool of genital warts. The electrophoretic mobility of virion proteins was studied by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed the same pattern as that obtained with HPV-1. The analysis of DNA after restriction enzyme digestion with the endonucleases Hind III and Hae III, and nucleic acid hybridization did not show any difference with HPV-1. The viral particles were agglutinated by anti-HPV-1 serum, as shown by electron microscopic particle agglutination test. Furthermore, the immunological properties of this virus were investigated with guinea pig antiserum. Serologically, no antigenic cross-reaction between common and genital wart viruses were shown by immunodiffusion and immunofluorescence tests, whereas cross-reactions were detected between plantar and genital wart viruses. These results allow to think that HPV-1 can induce plantar warts as well as genital warts.
Cryptococcosis with Cutaneous Manifestations Treated with 5-Fluorocytosine
Authors: Lee Sungnack , Kim Hong-Jig
Published: October 2009

A 3-year-old girl in poor general condition was admitted with a diagnosis of cryptococcosis and treated with 5-fluorocytosine. This case is characterized by its occurrence at a young age with no underlying disease, with involvement of the central nervous system, lung, skin, liver, spleen and lymph nodes, with typical cutaneous papules and nodules with ulceration and crusting, gelatinous appearance on biopsy of the skin, severe peripheral eosinophilia, and a remarkable response to 5-fluorocytosine therapy monitored by follow-up skin biopsies.
Jadassohn-Type Anetoderma in Association with Protrusion of the Teeth
Authors: Brenner S. , Gazit E. , Lieberman M. , Ilie B. , Krakowski A.
Published: October 2009

A case of anetoderma is described in which progressive protrusion of the anterior teeth was a concomitant finding. A possible interrelationship between these two conditions is suggested, based upon the anatomy and physiology of the oxytalan fibers of the periodontal ligament.
Colchicine Therapy in Scleroderma
Authors: Frayha Rida A.
Published: October 2009

12 patients with scleroderma were given a daily dose of 1.2 mg of colchicine for 6 months. Although the drug seemed ineffective in this disease, the data should be regarded as preliminary.
Porokeratosis of Mibelli
Authors: Nabai Hossein , Mehregan Amir H.
Published: October 2009

2 cases are reported with unusual manifestations of porokeratosis of Mibelli. In 1 case multiple atrophic facial lesions resembled plaques of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus. The second case exhibited extensive cutaneous involvement in the form of hyperkeratotic lesions in linear configuration.
Ichthyosis linearis circumflexa Comèl and Netherton’s Syndrome; an Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Zina Alberto M. , Bundino Silvana
Published: October 2009

An electron microscopic study of 3 cases of ichthyosis linearis circumflexa Comèl (ILC) reveals the presence of round bodies in the prickle cells: a characteristic feature of ILC. The horny and the granular layers are absent and are replaced by parakeratotic cells with condensed cytoplasm, which an amorphous material dissociates. The early formation of a vesiculopustule is detected. The importance of the dermal inflammation is considered and it is stated that ILC is not a purely epidermal disorder of keratinization.
Treatment of Urogenital/Rectal Gonorrhoea in Males and Females with Epicillin in Combination with Probenecid
Authors: Stolz E. , Schuller J.L. , de Koning G.A.J. , Michel M.F.
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the results of treatment of 124 patients (78 male and 46 female) with urogenital/rectal gonorrhoea with epicillin (3.5 g orally) in combination with 1 g of probenecid (instant therapy). High cure rates were found for both the male (98.6%) and female patients (100%). Serious drawbacks of this treatment are a high frequency of postgonococcal urethritis (45.6%) and a short-lived increase in the frequency and looseness of faecal discharge in a considerable amount of patients (6.8% in the male and 22.7% in the female patients).
Caractérisation immunocytologique des cellules des infiltrats cutanés des lymphomes épidermotropes
Authors: Thivolet J. , Souteyrand P. , Alario A. , Schmitt D. , Perrot H.
Published: October 2009

Immunological characterization of cells in the malignant epidermotropic lymphomas requires techniques which define the lymphocytic nature of the cells, and for the lymphocytes techniques which demonstrate subpopulations of T or B cells. The results obtained using such methods in patients with cutaneous lymphomas are reported. The predominantly thymodependent nature of the cells of epidermotropic lymphomas is confirmed and the existence of a thymodependent non-epidermotropic cutaneous lymphoma is demonstrated.
Epidermal Antihyperplastic Effects of Contact Antiphlogistics
Authors: Weirich Erich G. , Longauer Josef K. , Kirkwood Alan H.
Published: October 2009

The inhibitory effects of six contact antiphlogistics and two dermatocorticoids on hexadecane-induced hyperplasia of the guinea-pig skin were tested and compared. On the basis of the results obtained, the substances can be ranked in the following order of potency (percent inhibition of surface epithelial proliferation): acetylsalicylic acid (7.9%), phenylbutazone (12.5%), bufexamac (16.4%), bendazac (16.6%), oxyphenbutazone (19.5%), indomethacin (20.0%), hydrocortisone (20.6%) and fluocinolone acetonide (32.0%).
Recherche de la pseudo-porphyrie cutanée tardive chez 100 hémodialysés
Authors: Griffon-Euvrard S. , Thivolet J. , Laurent G. , Calemard E. , Gaillemin J. , Perrot H. , Ortonne J.P.
Published: October 2009

In this study, 100 hemodialyzed patients were examined for pseudo-porphyria cutanea tarda, which was first described in 1975. Pseudo-porphyria cutanea tarda was found in 16%. Our main concern was the analysis of the etiological factors; none of the hypotheses so far put forward – a medicinal agent, an hepatic disorder, or some factor relating to the material used in the dialysis – has been confirmed. On the other hand, this condition occurred in patients with the longest interval since dialysis, and who were more often than not completely anuretic. These facts would seem to indicate that this is part of a premature ageing process which is common in these patients.
In utero Behavior of Human Embryos at the Spinal-Cord Stage of Development
Authors: Natsuyama Eiichi
Published: October 2009

The movement of human embryos was observed in detail by ultrasonography, and body parts and types of movements were classified in anatomic terms and analyzed in relation to embryonal growth. The development of embryonic movement was also considered in connection with the neurological and locomotor differentiation.
Neuropsychic Factors in Physical Urticaria
Authors: Czubalski Krzysztof , Rudzki Edward
Published: October 2009

Psychosomatic investigations were made in 18 patients with dermographism, 17 with cold urticaria, and 13 with cholinergic urticaria. The Maudsley Personality Inventory was used and electroencephalograms were recorded from most patients. In the majority of cases of dermographism first symptoms coincided with frustrating situations and psychic stress-intensified manifestations. 81.8% of the patients with dermographism had abnormal electroencephalograms. In cold urticaria the role of psychic factors could not be demonstrated, whereas in cholinergic urticaria ‘brief’ emotions provoked symptoms in three-quarters of the patients, although no other signs of the role of psychic factors were detected.
Melanosomes of Pigmented Basal Cell Epithelioma
Authors: Tezuka Tadashi , Ohkuma Moriya , Hirose Itaru
Published: October 2009

Electron microscopic examination of a pigmented basal cell epithelioma of scrotal skin revealed many tumor cells and melanocytes which were laden with large packages of melanosomes. In tumor cells these packages were delimited by either single- or double-limiting membranes or were not membrane bound. The matrix of these large complexes was less electron dense and homogeneous than normal, containing electron-translucent droplets besides melanosomes. No remnants of intracellular organelles such as nucleus, mitochondria or ribosomes could be found. The basal cell epithelioma cells in this case appear to have differentiated toward fetal basal cells and have developed the ability to phagocytize large packages of melanosomes.
Diseases Sometimes Associated with Psoriasis
Authors: Ganor Salomon
Published: October 2009

Of 5,033 patients who were seen between 1968 and 1975, 407 suffered from psoriasis (Ps) and 245 from candidosis (Cn). Of these, 38 patients (p < 0.001) had both diseases. In 24 additional families, Ps was found in one member and Cn in another. The relationship of the two diseases is discussed.
Nosology of the Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Kint A. , de Weert J. , de Smet † M.
Published: October 2009

The nosological place of Sézary’s syndrome is studied apropos of two cases. The authors rely on histological, histochemical, electron microscopical and cytogenetical data. This syndrome can be considered as a T-lymphocyte leukaemia.
Neuropathology and Functional Deficits in a Model of Birth Asphyxia in the Precocial Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus)
Authors: Hutton Lisa C. , Ratnayake Udani , Shields Amy , Walker David W.
Published: October 2009

Birth asphyxia can result in sensory impairment, learning and memory deficits without gross brain injury and severe motor deficits. We developed a model of birth asphyxia resulting in mild neurological injury and cognitive impairment using a long-gestation species with precocial fetal development. Spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) underwent caesarean-section delivery or 7.5 min of asphyxia at 37 days gestational age (term is 39 days). Brain histology was examined at 1 and 7 days of age, and behaviour was evaluated to 28 days of age. Asphyxiated offspring showed significant impairment in non-spatial memory and learning tasks, accompanied by central nervous system inflammation and increased apoptotic cell death but without the presence of large necrotic or cystic lesions.
Melanosis Becker mit lokalisierter Sklerodermie
Authors: Rufli T.
Published: October 2009

A 17-year-old patient with extensive but unilateral features of Becker’s melanosis is described. The condition had been related to sunburn and has been slowly progressive. The pigmented areas showed hypotrichosis. A small area of depigmented localized scleroderma was present within the pigmented area of the trunk. The literature of Becker’s melanosis is reviewed with special reference to a similar case.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa in a Family
Authors: Sehgal V.N. , Vadiraj S.N. , Rege V.L. , Beohar P.C.
Published: October 2009

Three cases of the dystrophic type of epidermolysis bullosa in three generations comprising 18 individuals are described. Two of the three cases were females and the other male. The index case was of the vegetans type, while the other two cases were the usual dystrophic type. The unusual clinical and histological features in the latter cases are highlighted. The autosomal recessive transmission of the disease is brought out. The therapeutic role of vitamin E in dosage of 300 mg per day in the management of these cases is emphasized.
The Effect of Keratinisation of the Respiratory Metabolism of Epitheliomas in DMBA-Treated Mice Skin
Authors: Zador S.
Published: October 2009

One of the major features of epidermal epitheliomas is their highly increased keratin production, a process which ends in the death of the cell. The more extensive this process is, the higher will be the number of cells destroyed and the respiratory metabolism decreases accordingly. No difference is noted in the pattern of the respiratory metabolism between (1) the tumours and their controls, (2) the normal skin and the skin treated with the carcinogen but without tumours.
Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis
Authors: Miura T. , Akiba H. , Saito N. , Seiji M.
Published: October 2009

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis developing in a 27-year-old farming wife is described. The skin manifestation is a triangular erythematous plaque on the right infra-orbital region resembling that of discoid lupus erythematosus. Administration of 600 mg aτιphotericin B by infusion resulted in a complete cure of the lesion in 100 days.
Condensed Tannin Intake in Spiny-Forest-Dwelling Lemur catta at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar, during Reproductive Periods
Authors: Gould L. , Constabel P. , Mellway R. , Rambeloarivony H.
Published: October 2009

Primates vary in their choice or avoidance of plant foods high in condensed tannins (CT). Our study focused on CT intake in two groups of Lemur catta residing in spiny forest habitat during two reproductive periods. We examined whether L. catta in this habitat avoided plant foods high in CT, and whether reproductive females ingested lower concentrations of CT compared with males, since CT consumption compromises protein absorption. Feeding data and plant food samples were collected during reproductive periods in 2006 (early/mid-lactation) and 2007 (early gestation). Food samples were assayed for CT content, and average CT intake was determined for all focal animals. No significant difference was found in CT content of the most commonly consumed foods compared with other foods in each season or between seasons. No sex differences occurred in CT consumption in either reproductive period. These L. catta did not avoid plant foods high in CT, and three strategies – ingesting small amounts of CT regularly, high amounts only over short periods, and geophagy – may assist these lemurs in coping with CT content in their highly seasonal diet. L. catta may also be somewhat physiologically adapted to cope with CT concentrations in their plant foods.
Adaptation and Validation of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form Questionnaire in the Greek Language
Authors: Malindretos P. , Sarafidis P. , Spaia S. , Sioulis A. , Zeggos N. , Raptis V. , Kitos V. , Koronis C. , Kabouris C. , Zili S. , Grekas D.
Published: October 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the validity, reproducibility and internal consistency of a Greek translation of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire. Methods: The KDQOL-SF questionnaire was translated from English to Greek and was administered in 240 randomly selected patients undergoing hemodialysis in six Renal Units in Greece. The instrument’s validity was tested by examining the association between patient’s KDQOL-SF scores and comorbidity assessed with the Index of Coexistent Disease. Reproducibility was examined by readministering the questionnaire in 50 randomly selected patients within 1 month. Internal consistency was assessed by estimating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of comorbidity assessed with the Index of Coexistent Disease. Those with less comorbid conditions had significantly higher scores in most components of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire, confirming its validity. The correlation coefficients between the two administrations of the instrument ranged from 0.88 to 0.98 for each of the main components, which was above the desired level of 0.85. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from 0.91 to 0.92 for the various components, values well above the minimum desired 0.70 level. Conclusions: The present study shows that the Greek version of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire has high validity, reproducibility and internal consistency. Production of validated translations of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire in various languages will help promote health-related quality of life of end-stage renal disease patients all over the world.
Problems in the Regulation of Genetic Tests in Japan: What Can We Learn from Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests
Authors: Watanabe M. , Ohata T. , Muto K. , Takada F.
Published: October 2009

As one of the countries that have invested greatly in the field of bioscience, Japan is facing difficulties introducing human genetic research to the market. A key issue is how to regulate the quality of genetic testing. Since genetic testing is a part of clinical laboratory tests, the regulatory framework for these tests should cover the regulation of genetic testing. Nevertheless, the quality of clinical laboratory tests has been regulated largely by the authority of medical professionals. The fact that genetic testing can be provided without supervision of medical professionals reveals the necessity for the regulation of quality of genetic testing. While medical geneticists have publicly criticized direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, a group of industries related to DTC genetic testing have established self-regulatory guidelines on the quality control of genetic analysis, based on the OECD guidelines. This article describes the regulatory framework for clinical laboratory tests including genetic tests, and the gaps in regulation, which are particularly highlighted by the appearance of DTC genetic testing. Furthermore the current initiatives taken by different organizations, especially the self-regulatory initiatives by related industries, will be discussed. To conclude the article, recommendations to improve the situation will be made.
Heritability of Thromboxane A2and Prostaglandin E2Biosynthetic Machinery in a Spanish Population
Authors: Vila Luis , Martinez-Perez Angel , Camacho Mercedes , Buil Alfonso , Alcolea Sonia , Pujol-Moix Nuria , Soler Marta , Antón Rosa , Souto Juan-Carlos , Fontcuberta Jordi , Soria José-Manuel
Published: October 2009

Objective—Prostanoids play a critical role in clinical areas such as inflammation, thrombosis, immune response, and cancer. Although some studies suggest that there are genes that determine variability of some prostanoid-related phenotypes, the genetic influence on these traits has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—The relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to the prostanoid biosynthetic pathway-related phenotypes, cyclooxygenase isoenzymes, microsomal-PGE-synthase-1 and TxA-synthase expression, and thromboxane-A2and prostaglandin-E2production by stimulated whole blood, were assessed in a sample of 308 individuals in 15 extended families. The effects of measured covariates (such as sex, age, and smoking), genes, and environmental variables shared by members of a household were quantified. Heritabilities ranging from 0.406 to 0.634 for enzyme expression and from 0.283 to 0. 751 for prostanoid production were found.

Conclusions—These results demonstrate clearly the importance of genetic factors in determining variation in phenotypes that are components of the prostanoid biosynthetic pathways. The presence of such strong genetic effects suggest that it will be possible to localize previously unknown genes that influence quantitative variation in these phenotypes, some of which affect multiple aspects of cell biology, with important clinical implications.
Multidimensional Prognostic Index Based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Predicts Short-Term Mortality in Older Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Pilotto Alberto , Addante Filomena , Franceschi Marilisa , Leandro Gioacchino , Rengo Giuseppe , D'Ambrosio Piero , Longo Maria Grazia , Rengo Franco , Pellegrini Fabio , Dallapiccola Bruno , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: October 2009

Background—

Multidimensional impairment of older patients may influence the clinical outcome of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment predicts short-term mortality in older patients with heart failure.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective study with a 1-month follow-up, 376 patients aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of heart failure were enrolled. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment that included information on functional (activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living), cognitive (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), as well as on risk of pressure sore (Exton-Smith Scale), comorbidities (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale Index), medications, and social support network, was used to calculate the MPI for mortality using a previously validated algorithm. The New York Heart Association, the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment, and the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry regression model scores were also calculated. Higher MPI values were significantly associated with higher 30-day mortality, both in men (MPI-1, 2.8%; MPI-2, 15.3%; MPI-3, 47.4%;
P
=0.000) and women (MPI-1, 0%; MPI-2, 6.5%; MPI-3, 14.6%;
P
=0.011). The discrimination of the MPI was also good, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (men: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.90; women: 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.89) greater than receiver operating characteristic areas of New York Heart Association (men: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.69;
P
=0.015; women: 0.65; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.75;
P
=0.064), Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (men: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.79;
P
=0.045; women: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.87;
P
=0.443), and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry scores (men: 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.78;
P
=0.023; women: 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.83,
P
=0.171).

Conclusions—

The MPI, calculated from information collected in a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment, is useful to estimate the risk of 1-month mortality in older patients with heart failure.
Blockade of Hsp20 Phosphorylation Exacerbates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Suppressed Autophagy and Increased Cell Death
Authors: Qian Jiang , Ren Xiaoping , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Pengyuan , Jones W. Keith , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Fan Guo-Chang , Kranias Evangelia G.
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

The levels of a small heat shock protein (Hsp)20 and its phosphorylation are increased on ischemic insults, and overexpression of Hsp20 protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the mechanism underlying cardioprotection of Hsp20 and especially the role of its phosphorylation in regulating ischemia/reperfusion–induced autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis remain to be clarified.

Objective:

Herein, we generated a cardiac-specific overexpression model, carrying nonphosphorylatable Hsp20, where serine 16 was substituted with alanine (Hsp20
S16A
). By subjecting this model to ischemia/reperfusion, we addressed whether: (1) the cardioprotective effects of Hsp20 are associated with serine 16 phosphorylation; (2) blockade of Hsp20 phosphorylation influences the balance between autophagy and cell death; and (3) the aggregation pattern of Hsp20 is altered by its phosphorylation.

Methods and Results:

Our results demonstrated that Hsp20
S16A
hearts were more sensitive to ischemia/reperfusion injury, evidenced by lower recovery of contractile function and increased necrosis and apoptosis, compared with non-TG hearts. Interestingly, autophagy was activated in non-TG hearts but significantly inhibited in Hsp20
S16A
hearts following ischemia/reperfusion. Accordingly, pretreatment of Hsp20
S16A
hearts with rapamycin, an activator of autophagy, resulted in improvement of functional recovery, compared with saline-treated Hsp20
S16A
hearts. Furthermore, on ischemia/reperfusion, the oligomerization pattern of Hsp20 appeared to shift to higher aggregates in Hsp20
S16A
hearts.

Conclusions:

Collectively, these data indicate that blockade of Ser16-Hsp20 phosphorylation attenuates the cardioprotective effects of Hsp20 against ischemia/reperfusion injury, which may be attributable to suppressed autophagy and increased cell death. Therefore, phosphorylation of Hsp20 at serine 16 may represent a potential therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.
Antioxidant Amelioration of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Caused by Conditional Deletion of NEMO/IKKγ in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kratsios P. , Huth M. , Temmerman L. , Salimova E. , Al Banchaabouchi M. , Sgoifo A. , Manghi M. , Suzuki K. , Rosenthal N. , Mourkioti F.
Published: October 2009

Rationale
:

Insight into the function of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the adult heart has been hampered by the embryonic lethality of constitutive NF-κB inactivation.

Objective
:

The goal of the present study was therefore to gain insights into the role of NF-κB pathway specifically in mouse cardiomyocytes by conditional deletion of the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO).

Methods and Results
:

Using a Cre/loxP system, we disrupted the Nemo gene in a cardiomyocyte-specific manner in the heart, which simulated gene expression changes underlying human heart failure and caused adult-onset dilated cardiomyopathy accompanied by inflammation and apoptosis. Pressure overload challenges of NEMO-deficient young hearts precociously induced the functional decrements that develop spontaneously in older knockout animals. Moreover, oxidative stress in NEMO-deficient cardiomyocytes is a critical pathological component that can be attenuated with antioxidant diet in vivo.

Conclusions
:

These results reveal an essential physiological role for NEMO-mediated signaling in the adult heart to maintain cardiac function in response to age-related or mechanical challenges, in part through modulation of oxidative stress.
Angiotensin II–Induced Oxidative Stress Resets the Ca
2+
Dependence of Ca
2+
–Calmodulin Protein Kinase II and Promotes a Death Pathway Conserved Across Different Species
Authors: Palomeque Julieta , Rueda Omar Velez , Sapia Luciana , Valverde Carlos A. , Salas Margarita , Petroff Martin Vila , Mattiazzi Alicia
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

Angiotensin (Ang) II–induced apoptosis was reported to be mediated by different signaling molecules. Whether these molecules are either interconnected in a single pathway or constitute different and alternative cascades by which Ang II exerts its apoptotic action, is not known.

Objective:

To investigate in cultured myocytes from adult cat and rat, 2 species in which Ang II has opposite inotropic effects, the signaling cascade involved in Ang II–induced apoptosis.

Methods and Results:

Ang II (1 μmol/L) reduced cat/rat myocytes viability by ≈40%, in part, because of apoptosis (TUNEL/caspase-3 activity). In both species, apoptosis was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Ca
2+
/calmodulin–dependent protein kinase (CaMK)II, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation and was prevented by the ROS scavenger MPG (2-mercaptopropionylglycine) or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI (diphenyleneiodonium) by CaMKII inhibitors (KN-93 and AIP [autocamtide 2-related inhibitory peptide]) or in transgenic mice expressing a CaMKII inhibitory peptide and by the p38MAPK inhibitor, SB202190. Furthermore, p38MAPK overexpression exacerbated Ang II–induced cell mortality. Moreover, although KN-93 did not affect Ang II–induced ROS production, it prevented p38MAPK activation. Results further show that CaMKII can be activated by Ang II or H
2
O
2
, even in the presence of the Ca
2+
chelator BAPTA-AM, in myocytes and in EGTA-Ca
2+
–free solutions in the presence of the calmodulin inhibitor W-7 in in vitro experiments.

Conclusions:

(1) The Ang II–induced apoptotic cascade converges in both species, in a common pathway mediated by ROS-dependent CaMKII activation which results in p38MAPK activation and apoptosis. (2) In the presence of Ang II or ROS, CaMKII may be activated at subdiastolic Ca
2+
concentrations, suggesting a new mechanism by which ROS reset the Ca
2+
dependence of CaMKII to extremely low Ca
2+
levels.
Shift to an Involvement of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Angiotensin II Actions on Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Neurons of the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Sun Chengwen , Zubcevic Jasenka , Polson Jaimie W. , Potts Jeffrey T. , Diez-Freire Carlos , Zhang Qi , Paton Julian F.R. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

Central angiotensin (Ang) II inhibits baroreflex and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood.

Objective:

Our objective in the present study was to characterize the signal transduction mechanism of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) involvement in Ang II–induced stimulation of central neuronal activity in cultured neurons and Ang II–induced inhibition of baroreflex in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) versus WKY rats.

Methods and Results:

Application of Ang II to neurons produced a 42% greater increase in neuronal firing in cells from the SHR than the WKY rat. Although the Ang II–mediated increase in firing rate was abolished entirely by the protein kinase (PK)C inhibitor GF109230 in the WKY, blockade of both PKC and PI3K activity was necessary in the SHR. This was associated with an increased ability of Ang II to stimulate NADPH oxidase–reactive oxygen species (ROS)–mediated signaling involving phosphorylation of the p47phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase and was dependent on the activation of PI3K in the SHR. Inhibition of PI3K resulted in the reduction of levels of p47phox phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels, and ultimately neuronal activity in cells from the SHR but not the WKY rat. In addition, in working heart–brainstem preparations, inhibition of PKC activity in the nucleus of the solitary tract in situ abolished the Ang II–mediated depression of cardiac and sympathetic baroreceptor reflex gain in the WKY. In contrast, PKC inhibition in the nucleus of the solitary tract of SHR only partially reduced the effect of Ang II on the baroreceptor reflex gain.

Conclusions:

These observations demonstrate that PI3K in the cardiovascular brainstem regions of the SHR may be selectively involved in Ang II–mediated signaling that includes a reduction in baroreceptor reflex function, presumably via a NADPH-ROS mediated pathway.
Re-visioning princely states in South Asian historiography
Authors: Zutshi Chitralekha
Published: October 2009

This article reviews several key works within the scholarship on princely states produced in the past decade, in order to highlight their engagement with larger conversations in South Asian historiography. It argues that princely state scholarship no longer operates on the margins; rather, it has the potential to, and does, contribute to issues such as the idea of the feudal formation, the nature of modernity and the modern state, the articulation of religious and ethnic identities, women's status in Islam, and indigenous agency and resistance in colonial knowledge production, to name a few, that animate South Asian history while also transcending its narrow confines. Rather than analysing princely states in opposition to British India, these works approach them as distinct entities where particular social, economic and political conditions, combined with an interaction with external ideas and movements, produced certain outcomes in the realms of state, society and collective identity. Moreover, by combining archival research with ethnographic studies, these works have allowed access to the oral histories, memories, and vernacular literary traditions of several marginalised social groups in South Asia. More remains to be done, however, as we continue to decolonise these realms in popular memory and scholarly analysis, and the article suggests some directions princely state scholarship can take in this age of global historiographies.
Enslaving spaces
Authors: Major Andrea
Published: October 2009

This article explores British attitudes to domestic slavery in the Princely States of Rajputana and Malwa in the nineteenth-century. Working primarily from colonial archives, it analyses British conceptions of the nature of slavery and slave-trading in Rajputana, making compari-sons between this and their perception of slavery in its wider Indian and transatlantic contexts in order to analyse British understandings of Rajput identity, family and gender relations, as well as their conception of the nature and limits of their political and moral influence. It argues that British constructions of ‘benign’ domestic slavery were juxtaposed against concerns about the implications of slave-trading for crime, stability and the integrity of territorial borders, in British and princely India. The article discusses British attempts to persuade Rajput rulers to prohibit and prevent slave-trading and slave-holding in their territories, representing this debate as a point of intersection between ideological imperatives (in this case anti-slavery ideals) and political concerns about the nature and limits of acceptable British intervention in the internal affairs of the ‘independent’ states, and demonstrating the degree to which ‘moral’ and practical concerns intertwined in the formation of political dis-course on the limits of British ‘authority’. British attempts to regulate slave-trading on the ground are also explored, and cases brought before the British for the restitution of illegally procured slaves, contained in British Parliamentary Papers and East India Company's Board's Collections and Foreign Department Records, are used to demonstrate the fluid manner in which individuals could move (or be moved) between British and Indian controlled spaces, physically and metaphorically, demonstrating the extent to which the British capacity to both control and even observe was in practice limited, both spatially and ideologically.