bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential susceptibility of Cx26 mutations associated with epidermal dysplasias to peptidoglycan derived from Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Donnelly Steven , English Grant , de Zwart‐Storm Eugene A. , Lang Sue , van Steensel Maurice A. M. , Martin Patricia E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMutations in Connexin26 (Cx26) give rise to a spectrum of dominantly inherited hyperproliferating skin disorders, the severest being keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome, an inflammatory skin disorder, with patients prone to opportunistic infections. We compared the effects of peptidoglycan (PGN) extracted from the skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis and the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus on interleukin‐6 and connexin expression in HaCaT cells (a keratinocyte cell line) and connexin channel activity in HaCaT and HeLa (connexin deficient) cells transfected to express KID and non‐KID Cx26 mutations. In both cell types, PGN from S. aureus induced hemichannel activity in cells expressing KID mutants as monitored by ATP release assays following 15‐min challenge, while that from S. epidermidis evoked a response in HeLa cells. In KID mutant expressing cells, ATP release was significantly higher than in cells transfected with wild‐type Cx26. No ATP release was observed in non‐KID mutant transfected cells or in the presence of carbenoxolone, a connexin channel blocker. PGN isolated from S. aureus but not S. epidermidis induced interleukin‐6 and Cx26 expression in HaCaT cells following 6‐h challenge. Challenge by PGN from S. aureus evoked a greater interleukin‐6 response in cells expressing KID mutants than in cells expressing wtCx26 or non‐KID mutants. This response returned to basal levels if acute KID hemichannel signalling was blocked prior to PGN challenge. Thus, KID mutants form channels that can be triggered by the pro‐inflammatory mediator PGN from opportunistic pathogens but not skin commensals, providing further insight into the genotype–phenotype relationship of Cx26 disorders.
Sunburn protection as a function of sunscreen application thickness differs between high and low SPFs
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Xuemin , Lai Wei , Yan Tian , Wu Yanyu , Wan Miaojian , Yi Jinling , Matsui Mary S. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundSunscreens are an important component of healthy sun‐protection behavior. To achieve satisfactory protection, sunscreens must be applied consistently, evenly and correctly. Consumers do not apply sunscreen properly and, therefore, do not achieve the protection indicated by the label ‘sun protection factor’ (SPF). The objective of the present study was to determine the actual sun(burn) protection given by a range of sunscreen application thickness levels for both low and high SPF formulas.Subjects and MethodsForty study subjects were recruited from each of three geographical regions in China. Sunscreens with label SPFs of 4, 15, 30, and 55 were tested at application levels of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/cm2 in three laboratories using a standard SPF protocol.ResultsSunscreens with lower SPFs (4 and 15) showed a linear dose–response relationship with application level, but higher SPF (30 and 55) product protection was exponentially related to application thickness.ConclusionSunscreen protection is not related in one uniform way to the amount of product applied to human skin. Consumers may achieve an even lower than expected sunburn protection from high SPF products than from low SPF sunscreens.
Ultraviolet B radiation differentially modifies catechol‐O‐methyltransferase activity in keratinocytes and melanoma cells
Authors: Magina Sofia , Vieira‐Coelho Maria Augusta , Serrão Maria Paula , Kosmus Carina , Moura Eduardo , Moura Daniel 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundCatechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) is a ubiquitous enzyme inactivating catecholic compounds. COMT is expressed also in human skin samples, and in melanoma cells it may be cytoprotective. A role of COMT in keratinocytes (HaCat) is unknown.Objective: The objective of this study isto investigate whether ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation modifies COMT activity in melanocytes and HaCat and whether COMT inhibition plays a role in UVB‐induced cell death.MethodsHuman cell lines of melanotic melanoma (SK‐mel‐1) and HaCat were used. COMT activity was evaluated under basal conditions and after UVB irradiation (311 nm) at a low (8 mJ/cm2) and a high dose (60 mJ/cm2). Tolcapone 1 μM was used to inhibit COMT.ResultsBoth SK‐mel‐1 and Ha‐Cat cells express COMT activity. In SK‐mel‐1, COMT activity is reduced nearly 50% both 24 h and 48 h after a high dose UVB. In Ha‐Cat cells, COMT activity increased 24 h after a high dose UVB but decreased at 48 h. Tolcapone increases significantly the cytotoxic effect of high dose UVB irradiation only in HaCat. High concentrations of tolcapone reduced melanin levels in melanoma cells parallel to reduced cell numbers.ConclusionsUltraviolet radiation differentially modifies COMT activity in melanoma cells and HaCat. Furthermore, tolcapone increased death of HaCat after irradiation but did not affect melanoma cells.
Clinical efficacy of flumetasone/salicylic acid ointment combined with 308‐nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Dong Jie , He Yanling , Zhang Xiuying , Wang Yixuan , Tian Yongjing , Wang Jie 
Published: May 2012

SummaryObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy and safety of combining flumetasone ointment with 308‐nm excimer laser therapy vs. 308‐nm excimer laser monotherapy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.MethodForty patients with psoriasis vulgaris were recruited; 20 were treated with flumetasone ointment plus 308‐nm excimer laser therapy, and the other 20 received only excimer laser monotherapy. The flumetasone ointment was applied topically twice a day, and laser treatments were scheduled twice weekly for a total of 10 treatments. Clinical efficacy was evaluated in a blinded manner by two independent physicians using photographs taken before and after treatment.ResultsOf the 40 patients who received and completed the entire course of therapy, the psoriasis area and severity index score was improved by 82.51 ± 11.24% and 72.01 ± 20.94% in the combination group and laser group, respectively (P > 0.05), and the average cumulative dose was 5.06 ± 2.20 j/cm2 in the combination group and 7.75 ± 2.25 j/cm2 in the laser‐only group, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe clinical data suggest that combination treatment using flumetasone ointment and a 308‐nm excimer laser is superior to laser monotherapy for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. The combination therapy can increase effectiveness and decrease the total laser dose, thus potentially reducing side effects.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy as a novel treatment for Netherton syndrome
Authors: Kaminska Edidiong Celestine Ntuen , Ortel Bernhard , Sharma Vishakha , Stein Sarah L. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryNetherton syndrome (NS) is a rare congenital ichthyosis that is characterized by impaired skin barrier function. Topical medications are cautiously used in NS since toxicity from systemic absorption is a major concern. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is an alternative therapeutic option that demonstrated its beneficial and practical use in a patient with NS.
Validation of skin surface microtopography as a measure of skin photoaging in a subtropical population aged 40 and over
Authors: Hughes Maria Celia , Strutton Geoffrey M. , Fourtanier Anny , Green Adèle C. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundEvidence suggests that skin surface microtopography is a valid measure of photoaging among young adults, but whether this applies to older adults is unknown.MethodsWe investigated the association between degree of photoaging as measured by histological dermal elastosis and skin microtopography grades by decade of age from 40 to 89 years in a community sample in Australia. Skin surface replicas and punch biopsies were taken from 664 participants of the Nambour Skin Cancer Study. The association was assessed using ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds assumption, using histological dermal elastosis grades as outcome.ResultsThere was significant increase in odds of higher skin surface microtopography grades with higher dermal elastosis grades for age groups below 70 years [40 to 49 years: odds ratio (OR) 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68–5.22; 50 to 59 years: OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.28–6.26; 60 to 69 years: OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.41–4.35). The association was not significant for those 70 years or older.ConclusionSkin surface microtopography grading system is a valid measure of degree of dermal elastosis for middle‐aged and older adults up to 69 years but appears not to be valid for adults 70 years or more living in a high sun exposure setting.
MAGIC ANGLE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF DIODE LASER INDUCED AND NATURALLY OCCURRING LESIONS IN EQUINE TENDONS
Authors: Spriet Mathieu , Murphy Brian , Vallance Stuart A. , Vidal Martin A. , Whitcomb Mary Beth , Wisner Erik R. 
Published: May 2012

Magic angle magnetic resonance (MR) imaging consists of imaging tendons at 55° to the magnetic field. In people, magic angle MR imaging is valuable for detection of chronic tendon lesions and allows calculation of tendon T1 values. Increased T1 values occur in people with chronic tendinopathy. The T1 values of normal equine tendons have been reported but there are no available data for abnormal equine tendons. Twelve limbs were studied. Two limbs had diode laser tendon lesions induced postmortem, four limbs had diode laser tendon lesions induced in vivo and six limbs had naturally occurring tendon lesions. The limbs were imaged at 1.5 T using both conventional MR imaging and magic angle MR imaging. The post‐mortem laser induced lesions were identified only with magic angle MR imaging. The in vivo induced lesions and naturally occurring lesions were identified with both techniques but had a different appearance with the two imaging techniques. Magic angle imaging was helpful at identifying lesions that were hypointense on conventional imaging. Increased T1 values were observed in all abnormal tendons and in several tendons with a subjectively normal MR appearance. The increased T1 value may reflect diffuse changes in the biochemical composition of tendons. Magic angle imaging has potential as a useful noninvasive tool to assess the changes of the extracellular tendon matrix using T1 values.
“Don’t Be Too Careful of Your Silks and Rags”: Domesticity and Race in 19th‐Century American Literature
Authors: Smith Laura 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAn ideal domesticity of the mid‐19th century advocated a role for white women in civilizing and defending the American family home from cultural incursions. Black (and other non‐White, non‐Anglo‐Saxon Protestant) women, omitted from dominant representations of domesticity, provided their own literary interventions to appropriate and adapt the ideology. Short scenes of mundane domestic labor show authors reworking the relationship of domesticity to race and class. Textile work such as sewing (depicted in the works of Harriet Jacobs, Harriet Wilson, Fanny Fern, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper) becomes the focal point for social change, enabling an appropriation of domesticity by individuals usually excluded. Current material culture studies investigate the interaction of human subjects and material objects in specific contexts that enact cultural meaning. Applying these studies to fictional and non‐fictional narratives reveals how authors used their lived experiences with objects to query the racial and ethnic foundations of domestic womanhood in varied narrative contexts.
From One Gulf to Another: Reading Masculinity in American Narratives of the Persian Gulf and Iraq Wars
Authors: Pitchford Jenna 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRecent avenues of exploration in cultural studies reveal new possibilities for a reading of masculinity in Persian Gulf War and Iraq War narratives. There has been much debate regarding the impact of technology on the soldier’s sense of self, exploring ideas of speed, distance, and the possibilities and drawbacks raised by cyborg theory. What is yet to be fully explored, however, is how these factors have affected the trajectory of masculinity which has been thoroughly mapped through the wars of the twentieth century, and can be extended to encompass the literature of these conflicts. This article examines the ways in which masculinity is represented and challenged in Gulf War and Iraq War narratives, specifically Anthony Swofford’s Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles (2003), Tom Paine’s The Pearl of Kuwait (1997), Colby Buzzell’s My War: Killing Time in Iraq (2005) and Evan Wright’s Generation Kill (2004). It explores how the literature of these wars can be read as portraying the impact of technowar on the masculinity of soldiers in the Gulf War, and the return to the post‐Vietnam style ‘manly man’ in the later Iraq War. Crucially though, it explores how these narratives complicate such a simplified analysis and identifies the ways in which the technological circumstances of each conflict impact on representations of masculinity at both an individual and collective level.
‘Rati Viparite’: Gitagovinda and Erotic (Trans)migrations in Nineteenth Century Bengal II
Authors: Sengupta Rangeet 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe paper deals with some of the translations, editions and adaptations of Gitagovinda in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the initial years of the twentieth century. Focusing on the post‐mutiny years, the paper studies these translations in the context of the shifts in colonial interactions during the British Raj and the eventual development of Indian Nationalism. The paper deals with the influential English translation of the text by Edwin Arnold (published in 1875) along with a number of Bengali translations (and reinterpretations) of the text in the Fin de siècle, which were catalyzed by Nationalist ideations of aesthetics and taste.
Psychosocial Work Environment and Prediction of Quality of Care Indicators in One Canadian Health Center
Authors: Paquet Maxime , Courcy François , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Gagnon Serge , Maillet Stéphanie 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackgroundFew studies link organizational variables and outcomes to quality indicators. This approach would expose operant mechanisms by which work environment characteristics and organizational outcomes affect clinical effectiveness, safety, and quality indicators.QuestionWhat are the predominant psychosocial variables in the explanation of organizational outcomes and quality indicators (in this case, medication errors and length of stay)? The primary objective of this study was to link the fields of evidence‐based practice to the field of decision making, by providing an effective model of intervention to improve safety and quality.MethodsThe study involved healthcare workers (n = 243) from 13 different care units of a university affiliated health center in Canada. Data regarding the psychosocial work environment (10 work climate scales, effort/reward imbalance, and social support) was linked to organizational outcomes (absenteeism, turnover, overtime), to the nurse/patient ratio and quality indicators (medication errors and length of stay) using path analyses.ResultsThe models produced in this study revealed a contribution of some psychosocial factors to quality indicators, through an indirect effect of personnel‐ or human resources‐related variables, more precisely: turnover, absenteeism, overtime, and nurse/patient ratio. Four perceptions of work environment appear to play an important part in the indirect effect on both medication errors and length of stay: apparent social support from supervisors, appreciation of the workload demands, pride in being part of one's work team, and effort/reward balance.ConclusionsThis study reveals the importance of employee perceptions of the work environment as an indirect predictor of quality of care. Working to improve these perceptions is a good investment for loyalty and attendance. In general, better personnel conditions lead to fewer medication errors and shorter length of stay.
The Presence of Overactive Bladder Wet Increased the Risk and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Rue-Tsuan , Chung Min-Shen , Chuang Yao-Chi , Lee Jong-Jer , Lee Wei-Chia , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Yang Kuender D. , Chancellor Michael B. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Diabetes is a common risk factor for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The study evaluated the risk factors of OAB and association of OAB and ED in type 2 diabetic men.

Methods
The diagnosis of ED and OAB was based on a self-administered questionnaire containing Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and OAB symptom score (OABSS, 0–15, indicating increasing severity of symptoms), respectively.

Main Outcome Measures
The clinical variables and diabetes-associated complications, including ED, which are risk factors for OAB, were evaluated.

Results
Of 453 consecutive subjects attending outpatient diabetic clinic with a mean age of 60.6 years, 25.4%, 10.2%, 81.9%, and 28.3% reported having OAB, OAB wet, ED, and severe ED, respectively. The OABSS is inversely associated with SHIM (correlation coefficient—0.275). The patients with OAB have significantly lower SHIM score, testosterone level, and serum albumin level, have more proportion of severe ED, were older, and have longer duration of diabetes mellitus (DM). After adjustment for age and duration of DM, the presence of severe ED was associated with OAB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58), and severe ED (OR = 2.36), SHIM score (OR = 0.92), and serum albumin level (OR = 0.24) were risk factors for OAB wet (patients with urgency incontinence, once a week or more). The OR of ED in patients with OAB or OAB wet compared with no OAB was 1.82, and 3.61, respectively. Among the OAB components, urgency incontinence has the strongest impact on ED (OR = 4.06), followed by nocturia, urgency, and frequency. About 15.1% (N = 68) without OAB and ED are younger and have shorter DM duration, lower systolic BP, and higher serum albumin level after multivariate analysis compared with patients with OAB or ED.

Conclusion
The presence of severe ED was significantly associated with OAB, especially OAB wet. The presence of OAB wet increased the risk and severity of ED.
Effects of a Water-Soluble Curcumin Protein Conjugate vs. Pure Curcumin in a Diabetic Model of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed Talaat , Motawi Tarek , Rezq Ameen , Mostafa Taymour , Fouad Hanan H. , Ahmed Hanan H. , Rashed Laila , Sabry Dina , Senbel Amira , Al-Malki A , El-Shafiey Raghda 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Curcumin is involved in erectile signaling via elevation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

Aim
Assessment of the effects of water-soluble curcumin in erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
One hundred twenty male white albino rats were divided into: 1st and 2nd control groups with or without administration of Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), 3rd and 4th diabetic groups with or without ZnPP, 5th diabetic group on single oral dose of pure curcumin, 6th diabetic group on pure curcumin administered daily for 12 weeks, 7th and 8th diabetic groups on single dose of water-soluble curcumin administered with or without ZnPP, 9th and 10th diabetic groups on water-soluble curcumin administered daily for 12 weeks with or without ZnPP. All curcumin dosage schedules were administered after induction of diabetes.

Main Outcome Measures
Quantitative gene expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear transcription factor-erythroid2 (Nrf2), NF-Кβ, and p38. Cavernous tissue levels of HO and NOS enzyme activities, cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP).

Results
Twelve weeks after induction of diabetes, ED was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP. There was a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzymes, a significant decrease in eNOS, nNOS, HO-1 genes and a significant elevation of NF-Кβ, p38, iNOS genes. Administration of pure curcumin or its water-soluble conjugate led to a significant elevation in ICP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in eNOS, nNOS, HO-1, and Nrf2 genes, and a significant decrease in NF-Кβ, p38, and iNOS genes. Water-soluble curcumin showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. Repeated doses regimens were superior to single dose regimen. Administration of ZnPP significantly reduced HO enzyme, cGMP, ICP/ mean arterial pressure (MAP), HO-1 genes in diabetic groups.

Conclusion
Water-soluble curcumin could enhance erectile function with more effectiveness and with more prolonged duration of action.
Effects of Chronic Vardenafil Treatment Persist After End of Treatment in Rats with Acute Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hotta Yuji , Ohno Risa , Kataoka Tomoya , Mikumo Mayumi , Takahata Yu , Ohno Masae , Maeda Yasuhiro , Kimura Kazunori 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In our previous study, chronic vardenafil treatment improved erectile function soon after the end of the treatment in rats with acute arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the effects of chronic vardenafil treatment persist after the end of treatment using rats with acute arteriogenic ED.

Methods
Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (i) control; (ii) ligation; and (iii) vardenafil + no treatment. Rats in the ligation and vardenafil + no treatment groups underwent ligature of the bilateral internal iliac arteries to induce acute arteriogenic ED and were subsequently treated with vehicle or vardenafil (4.0 mg/kg/day), respectively, for 3 weeks. Subsequently, all rats were kept for a further 2 weeks with no treatment. Rats in the control group underwent sham surgery.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile function was assessed by changes in intracavernous pressure (ICP). Smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratios in corpus cavernosum were analyzed by Masson trichrome staining. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein levels in corpus cavernosum (CC) were, respectively, evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and Western blotting analysis.

Results
ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the ligation group remained significantly lower than that in control group (P &lt; 0.01). Despite no treatment for 2 weeks, ICP/MAP in the var + no treatment group remained significantly higher than that in ligation group (P &lt; 0.05). SM/collagen ratio in the ligation group remained significantly lower when compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.01). The ratio in the var + no treatment group remained significantly higher when compared with the ligation group at 2 weeks after the end of treatment (P &lt; 0.05). TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels did not differ among the groups.

Conclusions
The effects of chronic vardenafil treatment on erectile function and penile structure persist, even after the end of treatment, in acute arteriogenic ED rats.