bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metalworking exposures and persistent skin symptoms in the ECRHS II and SAPALDIA 2 cohorts
Authors: Mirabelli Maria C. , Zock Jan‐Paul , Bircher Andreas J. , Jarvis Debbie , Keidel Dirk , Kromhout Hans , Norbäck Dan , Olivieri Mario , Plana Estel , Radon Katja , Schindler Christian , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Torén Kjell , Villani Simona , Kogevinas Manolis 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Diseases of the skin are important and often preventable conditions occurring among workers with dermal exposures to irritant and sensitizing agents.Objective:  We conducted this analysis to assess the associations between metalworking exposures and current and persistent skin symptoms among male and female participants in two population‐based epidemiologic studies.Methods:  We pooled data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults 2 (SAPALDIA 2), two prospective cohort studies in Europe. Each participant completed interviewer‐administered questionnaires to provide information about symptoms and exposures related to selected occupations, including metalworking, during the follow‐up periods. We assessed associations between skin symptoms and the frequency of metalworking exposures among 676 ECRHS II/SAPALDIA 2 respondents.Results:  Current skin symptoms were reported by 10% of metalworkers and were associated with frequent use, defined as four or more days per week, of oil‐based metalworking fluids [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–2.49)] and organic solvent/degreasing agents (PR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21–3.50).Conclusions:  Skin symptom prevalence is associated with increasing frequency of oil‐based metalworking fluid and degreasing agent use. Our findings justify assessing strategies for reducing the frequency of metal‐related exposures.
Temperature dependence of photochemical fluorescence fading in Skh‐1 hairless mouse collagen
Authors: Menter Julian M. , Chu Eugenia G. , Martin Nicolle V. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Type I mammalian collagens have several photolabile fluorescent moieties that absorb UV rays capable of reaching the dermis. We studied the temperature dependence of fluorescence fading as a marker of photochemical damage.Methods: Collagen solutions were exposed to radiation from 0 to 240 min from either a UVG‐11 hand lamp, total dose=1.173 × 103 J/m2; a UVL‐21 hand lamp total dose=2.030 × 103 J/m2; or the fluorometer, at 325±5 nm, total dose=0.156 × 103 J/m2. We recorded intensities at excitation/emission wavelengths 270/300, 270/330, 270/360, 270/400, 325/400, and 370/450 nm at T=9.0–59.3 °C.Results: Results indicated simultaneous forward and reverse reactions. However, the 270/360 nm fluorophore could be analyzed as a second‐order reaction. The Arrhenius curve showed two straight lines intersecting near the denaturation temperature, with helix activation energy Ea∼0 and coil Ea=7.6±0.6 kcal/mol (31.7±2.5 kJ/mol).Discussion: Collagen‐bound fluorophores are not just passive markers of oxidative stress and age‐related damage. Their photolability to wavelengths reaching the dermis may result in pathological conditions, particularly at elevated body temperatures.
The use of 1540 nm fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars in Asian skin: a pilot study
Authors: Yoo Kwang Ho , Ahn Ji Young , Kim Ji Young , Li Kapsok , Seo Seong Jun , Hong Chang Kwun 
Published: April 2009

Background: Various modalities have been used to treat acne scars, but limited efficacy and considerable side effects have restricted their proper use. Recently, a new‐generation fractional photothermolysis modality has been introduced that has deeper penetrating ability; however, a 1540 nm fractional photothermolysis study has not yet been performed.Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1540 nm fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars in Asian skin.Methods: Sixteen volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV) with mild to moderate acne scars were enrolled. Acne scar lesions were treated with 1540‐nm fractional photothermolysis (Starlux™ 1540). Three treatment sessions were performed for each patient 4 weeks apart. Outcome assessments included the following four methods: (1) clinical evaluation of the photographs that were taken before and after the treatment; (2) comparison of the quality of life (QOL) of the patients before and after the treatment; (3) patients' satisfaction with the treatment; and (4) comparison of the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin biopsies before and 12 weeks after the last treatment.Results: A mild to moderate clinical improvement was observed in most of the patients. Moreover, the QOL of all the patients improved, and all of them were satisfied with the results of the treatment. Significant collagen and elastic‐fiber increases were also observed after the treatment, and side effects were limited to transient erythema and edema, which occurred in 50% of the patients. No severe side effect was observed.Conclusions: 1540 nm fractional photothermolysis is an effective and safe method for improving acne scar, even in Asian skin.
Properties of ecdysteroid receptors from diverse insect species in a heterologous cell culture system – a basis for screening novel insecticidal candidates
Authors: Beatty Joshua M. , Smagghe Guy , Ogura Takehiko , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Spindler‐Barth Margarethe , Henrich Vincent C. 
Published: April 2009

Insect development is driven by the action of ecdysteroids on morphogenetic processes. The classic ecdysteroid receptor is a protein heterodimer composed of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle (USP), the insect ortholog of retinoid X receptor. The functional properties of EcR and USP vary among insect species, and provide a basis for identifying novel and species‐specific insecticidal candidates that disrupt this receptor’s normal activity. A heterologous mammalian cell culture assay was used to assess the transcriptional activity of the heterodimeric ecdysteroid receptor from species representing two major insect orders: the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera), and the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera). Several nonsteroidal agonists evoked a strong response with the L. decemlineata heterodimer that was consistent with biochemical and in vivo evidence, whereas the D. melanogaster receptor’s response was comparatively modest. Conversely, the phytoecdysteroid muristerone A was more potent with the D. melanogaster heterodimer. The additional presence of juvenile hormone III potentiated the inductive activity of muristerone A in the receptors from both species, but juvenile hormone III was unable to potentiate the inductive activity of the diacylhydrazine methoxyfenozide (RH2485) in the receptor of either species. The effects of USP on ecdysteroid‐regulated transcriptional activity also varied between the two species. When it was tested with D. melanogaster EcR isoforms, basal activity was lower and ligand‐dependent activity was higher with L. decemlineata USP than with D. melanogaster USP. Generally, the species‐based differences validate the use of the cell culture assay screen for novel agonists and potentiators as species‐targeted insecticidal candidates.
Associations Between Coerced Anal Sex and Psychopathology, Marital Distress and Non-Sexual Violence
Authors: Mohammadkhani Parvaneh , Khooshabi Katayoon S. , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh , Azadmehr Hedieh , Assari Shervin , Lankarani Maryam Moghani 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Background
There is a dearth of scientific data on anal intercourse in heterosexual relationships. Likewise, anal sex within marital relationships has yet to be fully explored.

Objectives
Among a representative sample of married women in the Iranian capital, Tehran, we aimed to determine the association of self-reported coerced anal sex with: (i) self-reported coerced vaginal sex; (ii) self-reported non-sexual violence; (iii) psychopathology; and (iv) marital attitude.

Method
The data presented here were obtained from the Family Violence Survey conducted in Tehran in 2007. A total of 230 married Iranian women were selected via a multi-cluster sampling method from four different randomized regions. The subjects’ sociodemographic data, psychological distress (Symptom Check List; SCL-90-R), personality, and relationship characteristics (Personal and Relationships Profile), and marital attitude (Marital Attitude Survey) were gathered. In addition, the participants’ self-reported histories of lifetime victimization through all types of violence by the husband, including coerced anal and vaginal sex as well as psychological and physical assault (Conflict Tactic Scales-Revised; CTS-2), were collected.

Results
There were associations between self-reported victimization through coerced anal and vaginal sex (P &lt; 0.001), psychological (P &lt; 0.001), and physical aggression (P &lt; 0.001). Those reporting to have been forced into anal intercourse cited higher rates of paranoid and psychotic features, jealousy, attribution of problems to one’s own behavior, conflict, and male dominance, as well as lower expectations of improvement in one’s marital relationship.

Conclusion
In marital relationships, women are at a higher risk of coerced anal sex if subjected to other types of sexual or non-sexual violence. Higher rates of psychopathology and poorer marital relationships are also allied to self-reported anal sexual coercion.
FK506 and Rapamycin Neuroprotect Erection and Involve Different Immunophilins in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Lagoda Gwen , Sezen Sena F. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Immunophilin ligands function by binding to receptor proteins such as FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs). FKBPs are studied for their roles in neuroprotection.

Aim
Compare the effect of FK506 (FK) and rapamycin (RAP) on erectile function (EF) recovery and FKBP expressions in penis and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after cavernous nerve (CN) injury.

Methods
Adult male rats were divided into four groups: sham surgery (CN exposure only) + vehicle; bilateral CN injury (BCNI; bilateral crush, 3 minutes with hemostat clamp) + vehicle; BCNI + FK (5 mg/kg/day, 5 days, sc); and BCNI + RAP (2 mg/kg/day, 5 days, sc). At both 24 hours (Day 1) or 1 week (Day 7) after BCNI, EF was assessed by intracavernosal pressure measurement and FKBPs 12, 38, 52, and 65 expressions were evaluated by Western blot analysis in collected penises and MPGs.

Main Outcome Measures
EF and change in protein expressions of FKBPs in the rat penis and MPG after BCNI with and without immunophilin ligand treatment.

Results
Both FK- and RAP-treated rats had preserved EF compared with vehicle-treated rats after BCNI. FKBPs changed variably following injury and treatment. In particular, in the penis at Day 1, FKBP 38 expression was decreased after BCNI and both FK and RAP attenuated this decrease. In MPG at Day 1, FKBP 38 expression was also decreased after BCNI and FK attenuated the decrease, while at Day 7, FKBP 38 expression was still decreased and RAP attenuated the decrease. Also, in the penis at Day 1, FKBP 65 expression decreased after BCNI and FK attenuated the decrease. In the MPG, FKBP 65 expression increased at both Days 1 and 7 with FK treatment.

Conclusions
Improved EF after BCNI, as shown with RAP, further suggests a role of immunophilin ligands as a protective therapy of CN injury associated erectile dysfunction. Our findings also suggest that select FKBPs, such as FKBP 38 and FKBP 65, may mediate these effects.
Multiple osteolytic bone lesions with high serum levels of interleukin‐6 and CCL chemokines in a patient with adult T cell leukemia
Authors: CHIBA K. , HASHINO S. , IZUMIYAMA K. , TOYOSHIMA N. , SUZUKI S. , KUROSAWA M. , ASAKA M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryA 37‐year‐old woman was diagnosed as having chronic adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) of the skin by a skin biopsy and human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 serology at our hospital in August 1992. The skin lesions of ATL were improved by treatment with psoralen ultraviolet ray A. She complained of severe pain in her bilateral forearms, hands and ankles, and X‐ray examination in July 1999 revealed multiple punched‐out lesions of the extremities. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone‐related peptide, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α and total serum receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand were not elevated. However, serum levels of IL‐6, CCL2 monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), CCL3 [macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α)] and CCL4 (MIP‐1β) were markedly elevated. Here, we have discussed the possible mechanism underlying the onset of the osteolytic lesions.
Protective effects of trichostatin A on liver injury in septic mice
Authors: Zhang Li , Wan Jingyuan , Jiang Rong , Wang Weiwei , Deng Huayu , Shen Yi , Zheng Weiping , Wang Yaping 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Acetylation is emerging as a crucial post‐translational modification in controlling the expression of eukaryotic genes. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, developed as antitumor reagents, have recently exhibited novel anti‐inflammatory properties. In the present study, the influence of HDAC inhibitor on hepatic injury during sepsis was investigated.Methods:  Trichostatin A (TSA), a potent HDAC‐specific inhibitor, was administrated to mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis. The degree of hepatic injury and inflammation was assessed subsequently.Results:  The results indicated that TSA effectively protected liver from CLP‐induced injury as evidenced by decreased serum aminotransferases (alanine and aspartate) levels, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver homogenates and improved histological damage. The dampened liver injury was accompanied by lower myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and suppressed expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in liver tissue. In addition, the concentrations of both interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 in serum or hepatic homogenates were also decreased in TSA‐treated septic mice.Conclusion:  These data indicate that HDAC inhibitor TSA effectively attenuates liver injury during sepsis and these effects seem to rely on reduced inflammatory mediator production. These findings suggest that novel anti‐inflammatory drugs targeting HDAC might offer promising therapeutic intervention for controlling the dysregulated inflammation.
Targeted Killing of
Streptococcus mutans
by a Pheromone-Guided “Smart” Antimicrobial Peptide
Authors: Eckert Randal , He Jian , Yarbrough Daniel K. , Qi Fengxia , Anderson Maxwell H. , Shi Wenyuan 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Within the repertoire of antibiotics available to a prescribing clinician, the majority affect a broad range of microorganisms, including the normal flora. The ecological disruption resulting from antibiotic treatment frequently results in secondary infections or other negative clinical consequences. To address this problem, our laboratory has recently developed a new class of pathogen-selective molecules, called
s
pecifically (or
s
electively)
t
argeted
a
nti
m
icrobial
p
eptides (STAMPs), based on the fusion of a species-specific targeting peptide domain with a wide-spectrum antimicrobial peptide domain. In the current study, we focused on achieving targeted killing of
Streptococcus mutans
, a cavity-causing bacterium that resides in a multispecies microbial community (dental plaque). In particular, we explored the possibility of utilizing a pheromone produced by
S. mutans
, namely, the
c
ompetence
s
timulating
p
eptide (CSP), as a STAMP targeting domain to mediate
S. mutans
-specific delivery of an antimicrobial peptide domain. We discovered that STAMPs constructed with peptides derived from CSP were potent against
S. mutans
grown in liquid or biofilm states but did not affect other oral streptococci tested. Further studies showed that an 8-amino-acid region within the CSP sequence is sufficient for targeted delivery of the antimicrobial peptide domain to
S. mutans
. The STAMPs presented here are capable of eliminating
S. mutans
from multispecies biofilms without affecting closely related noncariogenic oral streptococci, indicating the potential of these molecules to be developed into “probiotic” antibiotics which could selectively eliminate pathogens while preserving the protective benefits of a healthy normal flora.
Genetic-Biochemical Analysis and Distribution of the Ambler Class A β-Lactamase CME-2, Responsible for Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin Resistance in
Chryseobacterium
(
Flavobacterium
)
meningosepticum
Authors: Bellais Samuel , Poirel Laurent , Naas Thierry , Girlich Delphine , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

In vitro synergy between extended-spectrum cephalosporins and either clavulanic acid or cefoxitin was found for
Chryseobacterium meningosepticum
isolates during a double-disk assay on an agar plate. An extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene from a
C. meningosepticum
clinical isolate was cloned and expressed in
Escherichia coli
DH10B. Its protein conferred resistance to most β-lactams including extended-spectrum cephalosporins but not to cephamycins or to imipenem. Its activity was strongly inhibited by clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam, as well as by cephamycins and imipenem. Sequence analysis of the cloned DNA fragment revealed an open reading frame (ORF) of 891 bp with a G+C content of 33.9%, which lies close to the expected range of G+C contents of members of the
Chryseobacterium
genus. The ORF encoded a precursor protein of 297 amino acids, giving a mature protein with a molecular mass of 31 kDa and a pI value of 9.2 in
E. coli
. This gene was very likely chromosomally located. Amino acid sequence comparison showed that this β-lactamase, named CME-2 (
C. meningosepticum
ESBL), is a novel ESBL of the Ambler class A group (Bush functional group 2be), being weakly related to other class A β-lactamases. It shares only 39 and 35% identities with the ESBLs VEB-1 from
E. coli
MG-1 and CBL-A from
Bacteroides uniformis
, respectively. The distribution of
bla
CME-2
among unrelated
C. meningosepticum
species isolates showed that
bla
CME-2
-like genes were found in the
C. meningosepticum
strains studied but were absent from strains of other
C. meningosepticum
-related species. Each
C. meningosepticum
strain produced at least two β-lactamases, with one of them being a noninducible serine ESBL with variable pIs ranging from 7.0 to 8.5.
Ineffectiveness of Topoisomerase Mutations in Mediating Clinically Significant Fluoroquinolone Resistance in
Escherichia coli
in the Absence of the AcrAB Efflux Pump
Authors: Oethinger Margret , Kern Winfried V. , Jellen-Ritter Angelika S. , McMurry Laura M. , Levy Stuart B. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolone-resistant mutants, selected from a wild-type
Escherichia coli
K-12 strain and its Mar mutant by exposure to increasing levels of ofloxacin on solid medium, were analyzed by Northern (RNA) blot analysis, sequencing, and radiolabelled ciprofloxacin accumulation studies. Mutations in the target gene
gyrA
(DNA gyrase), the regulatory gene
marR
, and additional, as yet unidentified genes (genes that probably affect efflux mediated by the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB) all contributed to fluoroquinolone resistance. Inactivation of the
acrAB
locus made all strains, including those with target gene mutations, hypersusceptible to fluoroquinolones and certain other unrelated drugs. These studies indicate that, in the absence of the AcrAB pump, gyrase mutations fail to produce clinically relevant levels of fluoroquinolone resistance.
Characterization of the Antiviral Effect of 2′,3′-Dideoxy-2′, 3′-Didehydro-β-l-5-Fluorocytidine in the Duck Hepatitis B Virus Infection Model
Authors: Le Guerhier Franck , Pichoud Christian , Guerret Sylviane , Chevallier Michèle , Jamard Catherine , Hantz Olivier , Li Xiu-Yan , Chen Shu-Hui , King Ivan , Trépo Christian , Cheng Yung-Chi , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTA novell-nucleoside analog of deoxycytidine, 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-didehydro-β-l-5-fluorocytidine (β-l-Fd4C), was recently shown to strongly inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in the 2.2.15 cell line. Therefore, its antiviral activity was evaluated in the duck HBV (DHBV) infection model. Using a cell-free system for the expression of the DHBV polymerase, β-l-Fd4C-TP exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of dCTP incorporation into viral minus-strand DNA with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.2 μM which was lower than that of other tested deoxycytidine analogs, i.e., lamivudine-TP, ddC-TP, and β-l-FddC-TP. Further analysis showed that β-l-Fd4C-TP is likely to be a competitive inhibitor of dCTP incorporation and to cause premature DNA chain termination. In primary duck hepatocyte cultures infected in vitro, β-l-Fd4C administration exhibited a long-lasting inhibitory effect on viral DNA synthesis but could not clear viral covalently closed circular DNA (CCC DNA). Results of short-term antiviral treatment in experimentally infected ducklings showed that β-l-Fd4C exhibited the most potent antiviral effect, followed by β-l-FddC, lamivudine, and ddC. Longer administration of β-l-Fd4C induced a sustained suppression of viremia (>95% of controls) and of viral DNA synthesis within the liver. However, the persistence of trace amounts of viral CCC DNA detected only by PCR was associated with a recurrence of viral replication after drug withdrawal. In parallel, β-l-Fd4C treatment suppressed viral antigen expression within the liver and decreased intrahepatic inflammation and was not associated with any sign of toxicity. Our data, therefore, demonstrate that in the duck model of HBV infection, β-l-Fd4C is a potent inhibitor of DHBV reverse transcriptase activity in vitro and suppresses viral replication in the liver in vivo.
Comparison of the Effects of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Conventional Amphotericin B on Propafenone Metabolism and Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 in Rats
Authors: Inselmann G. , Volkmann A. , Heidemann H. T. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

The effects of conventional amphotericin B (AmB) dissolved in sodium deoxycholate on microsomal cytochrome P-450 concentrations and propafenone metabolism to 5-hydroxy-propafenone and
N
-desalkyl-propafenone were compared with those of liposomal AMB (Li-AMB) in rats. AmB (3 mg/kg/day, intravenously [i.v.]) given for 4 days caused a significant decrease in the concentration of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 (0.43 ± 0.06 nmol/mg versus 0.62 ± 0.05 nmol/mg for the control [
P
< 0.05]). Following the application of Li-AMB (15 mg/kg/day, i.v.), hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 concentrations were unchanged at 0.64 ± 0.08 nmol/mg. AmB decreased ex vivo propafenone metabolism to 5-hydroxy-propafenone and
N
-desalkyl-propafenone significantly. Sodium deoxycholate (the vehicle of AmB) by itself induced a significant decline of 5-hydroxy-propafenone and
N
-desalkyl-propafenone production, while microsomal cytochrome P-450 concentrations remained unchanged. In contrast, Li-AMB did not change the levels of production of 5-hydroxy-propafenone or of
N
-desalkyl-propafenone at either substrate concentration tested (50 μmol and 200 μmol). Microsomal AmB concentrations were significantly higher following Li-AMB application (21.1 ± 6.2 μg/g versus 3.7 ± 1.4 μg/g for AmB [
P
< 0.05]). We conclude that Li-AMB, in contrast to AmB, decreases neither hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 nor hepatic propafenone metabolism in rats ex vivo. Sodium deoxycholate alone decreases propafenone metabolism in a similar way to AmB, suggesting that it participates in AmB-induced disturbance of hepatic metabolic function.