bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis, P53 and Bcl‐2 expression in response to topical calcipotriol therapy for psoriasis
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Barakat Manal , Abdel‐Razek Rasha , El‐Din Anbar Tag 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  The histopathologic changes characteristic of psoriasis might be related to suppressed apoptosis. The P53 and Bcl‐2 proteins play a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate P53 and Bcl‐2 expression and apoptotic cells in the psoriatic skin before and after topical calcipotriol therapy.Methods  Skin biopsies were obtained from nonlesional and lesional skin of 10 patients with generalized plaque psoriasis before and after treatment with topical calcipotriol ointment. The P53 and Bcl‐2 expression was evaluated using immunoperoxidase technique and apoptotic cells by the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.Results  After topical calcipotriol therapy, keratinocytes of psoriatic skin showed significant decrease of P53 (P = 0.002) and increase of Bcl‐2 (P = 0.01) expression. On the other hand lymphocytes showed significant decrease of Bcl‐2 (P = 0.01). There were no apoptotic cells before treatment but after calcipotriol therapy, apoptosis was more detectable in keratinocytes than in lymphocytes.Conclusions  The results of the study suggested that one of the actions of calcipotriol in psoriasis might be exerted through induction of apoptosis, especially of keratinocytes, through a P53‐independent pathway. Meanwhile, suppression of Bcl‐2 expression in lymphocytes may promote apoptosis of dermal lymphocytes leading to healing of psoriasis.
Hanging groin and persistent pruritus in a patient from Burkina Faso
Authors: Niamba Pascal , Gaulier Alain , Taïeb Alain 
Published: May 2007

Onchocerciasis is a filarial disease caused by Onchocerca volvuvus which can lead to skin, bladder or ocular signs. The authors report a 6‐month history of generalized pruritus and two bilateral and symmetric masses in inguinal areas in a 57‐year‐old black woman. Skin snips and a biopsy of a subcutaneous nodule were diagnosed as onchocerciasis with hanging groin and the patient was treated with ivermectin with a dramatic improvement.If pruritus is the most constant symptom of onchocerciasis, hanging groin is usually observed only in hyperendemic areas in association with high microfilarial density. As no protective immune response is acquired after onchocerciasis, it is recommended that observation is maintained in communities where blindness is less common but where skin manifestations remain prevalent. There is a risk of misdiagnosing onchocerciasis owing to its long incubation period and its unfamiliarity to physicians in nonendemic areas.
Skin pressure profiles and variations with body postural changes beneath medical elastic compression stockings
Authors: Liu Rong , Kwok Yi Lin , Li Yi , Lao Terence T. , Zhang Xin 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Medical elastic compression stockings (GCSs) are one of the most widely used mechanical compression approaches to relieve venous disorders of the lower limb. The skin pressure profiles applied by compression stockings may be altered with body postural changes, thus exerting influences on their therapeutic efficiency.Objectives  To examine and quantify objectively the skin pressure distribution and magnitude beneath GCSs with body postural changes, and to analyze the possible reasons for skin pressure variations.Methods  The pressure levels of four different kinds of commonly used GCS were measured using piezoelectric sensors and a multichannel measuring system in six female healthy volunteers in 10 different body positions.Results  Body postural changes significantly influenced the skin pressure profiles (P < 0.001). Skin pressures at the ankle and on the anterior side of the leg were always highest when tested in all positions. Extension and flexion of the knee joint significantly influenced the skin pressure at the anterior and posterior aspects of the leg, especially when tested in the sitting position with the knee flexed at 90° and in the supine position with the knee flexed at more than 90° (P < 0.001). Plantar flexion of the ankle joint, such as up‐heel standing and heel‐off walking, significantly increased the skin pressure in the ankle region. Contraction, extension, and relaxation of the calf muscle did not produce large fluctuations in skin pressure when tested in positions with full knee extension.Conclusions  Body postures may be one of the most important factors influencing the skin pressure profiles applied by compression stockings. The anatomic structure of individual legs, the special design of compression stockings, and the physical properties of stocking materials also influence skin pressure variations at different tested locations in different body positions. Appropriate leg postural changes and exercise may improve the therapeutic effectiveness of GCSs.
Basal cell carcinoma: treatment with imiquimod
Authors: Bukhardt Pérez M. P. , Ruiz‐Villaverde Ricardo , Naranjo Díaz M. J. , Blasco Melguizo J. , Naranjo Sintes R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. There are various approaches to its treatment, but imiquimod, the immune response modifier, offers a topical, noninvasive, nonsurgical therapeutic option.Methods  We present our experience of the treatment of 96 patients with BCCs during the period March 2002 to February 2004 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain. One hundred and forty‐one tumors (nodular, superficial, and pearly/ulcerated clinical types) were treated with imiquimod.Results  The clinical cure rate at 12 months was 80–85%.Conclusion  Our experience indicates that imiquimod is a reasonable option for the treatment of BCC. It is low cost, can be delivered via ambulatory care, and has tolerable side‐effects.
Late‐onset Rothmund–Thomson syndrome
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Sharma Prafulla Kumar , Gautam Ram Krishan , Jain Rakesh Kumar , Kar Hemanta Kumar 
Published: May 2007

A 43‐year‐old woman presented with complaints of exfoliation of the skin and mottled pigmentation all over the body, intolerance to sunlight for the last 14 years, and swelling on the lower one‐third of the neck for 15 years. She was apparently well until the age of 29 years when she noticed redness on her shins which later progressed to involve the upper limbs, chest, and face. Three months later, she observed multiple, small, brownish plaques over the erythematous areas, which gradually spread to the sun‐exposed areas, namely the face, forearms, hands, and nape of the neck. The erythema disappeared within 5 months of onset. The patient experienced redness of the face, intolerance to the sun, and reduced sweating, particularly during the summer. There was no history of bullous eruption, difficulty during deglutition, tremors, or pedal edema. She suffered five miscarriages and, ultimately, was successful in delivering a normal boy who is now 16 years of age.She had menarche at the age of 14 years and her menstrual cycle was regular. There was no history of similar illness in the family.On cutaneous examination, the skin on the face, neck, trunk, buttocks, and limbs was found to be dry, lusterless, thin, and covered with fine scales. Mottled hyperpigmentation was observed all over the body. Atrophy and telangiectasia were seen over the neck (Fig. 1), face (Fig. 2), nape of the neck, upper and lower limbs, back, and chest. Mild erythema was observed over the face, nose, ears, and forearms. The hair on the scalp, eyebrows, axillae, and pubic area was sparse and thin. The teeth were loose and discolored due to caries, and a foul odor emanated from the mouth. The nails were lusterless and centrally depressed. The thyroid gland was enlarged, smooth, nontender, and moved with deglutition. No bruit was heard over it. No ocular abnormality was detected.Atrophy and telangiectasia over the neckimagePoikiloderma over the faceimageThe patient had a haemoglobin level of 7.6 g%, total serum iron binding capacity of 70 µmol/L (normal, 45–66 µmol/L), and serum ferritin level of 10 µg/L (normal, 15–200 µg/L). Peripheral blood smear showed hypochromic microcytic red blood cells. Total and differential leukocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood glucose, serum electrolytes, total and differential serum proteins, liver function tests, blood urea, and microscopic examination of urine and stools were within normal limits. The thyroid profile and complement C3 and C4 levels were within normal limits. Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor and LE cells were absent. Abdominal ultrasonogram was normal.Fine needle aspiration cytology from the thyroid gland showed features suggestive of colloid goiter. Skin biopsy revealed thinning of the epidermis, flattening of the rete ridges, and hydropic degeneration of the basal cell layer. The dermis was edematous with dilated capillaries, melanophages, and a band‐like mononuclear infiltrate. The sweat glands were reduced in number.
Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a case series of nine patients and review of the literature
Authors: Introcaso Camille E. , Hivnor Chad , Cowper Shawn , Werth Victoria P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFD/NSF) is a fibrosing cutaneous disorder recently recognized to have systemic manifestations. The disease is characterized clinically by an acute onset of hardening and thickening of the skin of the extremities and trunk, often resulting in flexion contractures, and histologically by an increase in spindle‐shaped cells, collagen, and sometimes mucin deposition in the dermis. The only common exposure amongst patients is acute or chronic renal failure. The pathophysiology of the disease remains to be elucidated, and there is currently no consistently effective treatment for this unremitting disease.Methods  We report a case series of nine patients seen at the University of Pennsylvania between 1998 and mid‐2004. The clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data of these patients are reviewed.Results  All patients had renal disease, received peritoneal or hemodialysis, and five had received at least one renal transplant. All patients had characteristic fibrotic cutaneous lesions involving the trunk, extremities, or both, and eight of the nine patients had scleral plaques. There were no other common findings amongst the histories, medications, or laboratory results of the patients.Conclusion  Our report confirms the clinical and histologic characteristics of NFD that have been described previously, and raises new issues regarding the possible subtypes. A review of the current literature stresses that further basic science and translational studies are necessary to understand the disease mechanism and to propose effective therapy, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the systemic effects of NFD.
Clinical relevance of autoantibodies after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Richter Andrea , Grabhorn Enke , Helmke Knut , Manns Michael P. , Ganschow Rainer , Burdelski Martin 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The presence of autoantibodies and development of autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation has recently been reported as one of the causes for chronic graft dysfunction. The pathogenesis and clinical significance of this disease still remains unclear.Methods:  We evaluate 96 patients for the prevalence of autoantibodies and autoimmune hepatitis after pediatric liver transplantation and review their clinical follow‐up including virus serologies, ultrasound examination and liver biopsies.Results:  Positive autoantibodies were detected in 74% of the patients after pediatric OLT. Graft dysfunction was observed in 46% of these children, and in 35% of the transplant recipients seronegative for autoantibodies. None of the patients showed histological signs or fulfilled clinical criteria for de novo autoimmune hepatitis. One child with negative autoantibodies was diagnosed to have a histologically proven de novo AIH two yr following OLT.Conclusions:  There is a high prevalence of autoantibodies after pediatric OLT, but the incidence of de novo AIH is very rare. In transplant recipients showing elevated liver function tests de novo autoimmune hepatitis has to be excluded by liver biopsy even if the patient is seronegative for autoantibodies.
Influence of KIR gene diversity on the course of HSV‐1 infection: resistance to the disease is associated with the absence of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2
Authors: Estefanía E. , Gómez‐Lozano N. , Portero F. , De Pablo R. , Solís R. , Sepúlveda S. , Vaquero M. , González M. A. , Suárez E. , Roustán G. , Vilches C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) causes lifelong latent infections in most humans. Periodical virus reactivations from latency in the neurons of sensitive ganglia lead to transport to mucocutaneous regions and productive replication, which results in recurrent inflammatory herpetic lesions or in asymptomatic virus shedding. The medical consequences of such lesions and the frequency of recurrences vary greatly in different subjects. Furthermore, many infected individuals never suffer manifestations of the disease, even when exposed to stimuli that trigger clinical recurrences in other humans. The origin of the variability in the clinical course of HSV‐1 infection remains unexplained. Herpesviruses and other pathogens sabotage the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules by infected cells, thus subverting T‐cell‐mediated immunity. Subversion of antigen presentation is counteracted by natural killer cells, which survey the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression by specific receptors. These include the killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs), which are encoded by a complex of extremely diverse and rapidly evolving genes. Here, we analyze the contribution of KIR gene diversity to the variable clinical course of HSV‐1 infection by comparing the distribution of these genes in humans with clinical manifestations of the disease with that in asymptomatically infected donors. This study provides preliminary evidence that the receptors KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 predispose to symptomatic HSV‐1 infection and favor the frequently recurring forms of the disease. Possible contribution of the ‘HLA‐C1’ ligand to HSV‐1 disease was not statistically supported. Because of an absolute genetic linkage between KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2, we could not determine which receptor was primarily responsible for the observed association, but our results suggest that presence in the genome of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 hinders an effective cellular response to HSV‐1.
Diversity of spiders after spring sowing – influence of farming system and habitat type
Authors: Öberg S. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:Spiders contribute considerably to diversity in agroecosystems and are important components of natural pest control. Farming system and adjacent habitats may influence spider diversity. In this study, diversity of the spider families Lycosidae and Linyphiidae was studied after spring sowing until the time when a common pest (Rhopalosiphum padi) colonizes cereal fields. The spiders were collected with pitfall traps at eight organically or conventionally managed farms around Uppsala, Sweden, in three different habitats at each site: field margin, crop field and the edge between the two. The effects of farming system and habitat type on diversity of lycosids and linyphiids were considered using three different measures (activity density, species richness and composition). The most dominant species of each spider family, Pardosa agrestis (Lycosidae) and Oedothorax apicatus (Linyphiidae), had higher activity density at organic sites, and farming systems also contained different species compositions of both lycosid and linyphiid spiders. Also, linyphiid species richness was higher on conventional sites and linyphiid species composition was influenced by habitat type, in contrast with lycosids. Activity density and species richness of lycosid spiders were, on the other hand, more associated with field margins than linyphiid spiders.
Differential expression of Candida albicans secreted aspartyl proteinase in human vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Lian Cui Hong , Liu Wei Da 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans secretes aspartic proteinases (Saps), which raises a particular interest because of their role as virulence factors. Candida albicans possesses at least 10 members of a SAP gene family, all of which have been sequenced. Although the expression of the SAP genes has been extensively characterised under laboratory growth conditions and Saps contribute to the virulence of C. albicans in animal models of infection, few studies have analysed the difference of the in vivo expression of these proteinases in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and asymptomatic Candida carriers. The RT‐PCR protocol was used to determine which of the SAP1 to SAP7 genes are expressed by C. albicans during asymptomatic Candida carriage, VVC and RVVC infection in this study. We found SAP2, the SAP4–6 and SAP7 were the predominant proteinase genes expressed in the sample of both Candida carriers and patients with VVC and RVVC. SAP2 and SAP4–6 mRNA were detected in all subjects. SAP1 and SAP3 transcripts were observed only in patients with VVC and RVVC. SAP7 mRNA expressions were detected in several of the patients and carriers samples. All seven SAP genes were simultaneously expressed in some patients with VVC and RVVC. This study demonstrates the differential expression of the secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) genes during colonisation and VVC and RVVC infection in humans and correlates the expression of specific Candida species virulence genes with active disease and anatomical location.
Oral Candida colonization of human immunodeficiency virus infected subjects in Turkey and its relation with viral load and CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count
Authors: Erköse Gonca , Erturan Zayre 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe association of asymptomatic oral Candida colonization with the markers of immunodeficiency and HIV is not clear yet. In addition, the prevalence of different Candida species colonizing the oral cavity of HIV‐infected patients in Turkey remains unknown. To evaluate these subjects, oral rinse samples were taken from 64 HIV‐positive individuals who have come to the department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty for viral load and CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count measurement. The specimens were plated quantitatively on CHROMagar Candida. Oral Candida colonization was detected in 53 (82.8%) patients. The species isolated most frequently from carriers was Candida albicans (83%), followed by Candida glabrata (22.6%) and Candida dubliniensis (11.3%). More than one Candida spp. was isolated from 16 (30%) colonized patients. The status of yeast carriage and Candida load was not associated with the number of CD4+ cells or the viral load. Similarly, there was no statistical relation between the use of protease inhibitors, age, gender, smoking and the oral carriage of Candida. Other factors, which may be responsible for the high oral carriage of Candida spp. in this patient group, need to be researched.
Size Distribution of Dispersed Luteal Cells During Oestrous Cycle in Angora Goats
Authors: Kalender H , Arikan Ş 
Published: May 2007

ContentsThe present study examines the size distribution of the goat steroidogenic luteal cells throughout the oestrous cycle. Corpora lutea (CL) were collected after laparatomy on days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle. Luteal cells were isolated from CL by collagenase digestion. Steriodogenic luteal cells were identified by staining of the cells for 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, a marker for steroidogenic cells. Luteal cells having steroidogenic capacity covered a wide spectrum of sizes, ranging from 5 to 37.5 μm in diameter. There was a significant increase in mean cell diameters (p < 0.01) as CL aged. The mean cell diameter on day 5 was 11.55 ± 0.12 μm, which was significantly increased and reached up to 19.18 ± 0.24 μm by day 16 of the oestrous cycle. The ratio of large to small luteal cells was 0.06:1.0 on day 5 of the oestrous cycle. This ratio increased to 0.78:1.0 by day 16 of the oestrous cycle. Luteal cell size on days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle reached its maximum at 7.5, 10 and 35 μm in diameter, respectively. Development of CL is associated with an increase in luteal cell size in goats. It is likely that small luteal cells could develop into large luteal cells as CL becomes older during oestrous cycle in goats.
Serum gamma glutamyl‐transferase is a sensitive but unspecific marker of metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Simic Tatjana , Dragicevic Dejan , Savic‐Radojevic Ana , Cimbaljevic Slavica , Tulic Cane , Mimic‐Oka Jasmina 
Published: May 2007

Objective:  To address the role of serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) as a marker of metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma.Methods:  Serum alkaline phosphatase and GGT were determined in 156 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma and 60 patients with metastases as proven by echosonography, computerized tomography and bone scan. The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects matched for sex and age. Sensitivity and specificity of both enzymes as markers of metastatic disease were compared. In metastatic patients, enzyme activities were analyzed according to the site of metastases.Results:  Both alkaline phosphatase and GGT activities were normal in majority of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma and increased in most of the patients with metastatic disease (80% and 70%, respectively). GGT did not significantly differ from alkaline phosphatase in terms of sensitivity (70% vs 80%) and specificity (89% vs 92%). Concerning the site of metastases, high frequencies of increased GGT and alkaline phosphatase were found in patients with liver‐only metastases (80% and 90%, respectively). All of the patients with both liver and bone metastases exhibited increased activity of both enzymes. Despite the fact that bone cells do not express GGT, increased activity was found in patients with bone metastases‐only (45%), suggesting that enzymes might be released from tumor cells.Conclusions:  Our data provided evidence that GGT is a sensitive marker of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, findings of abnormal GGT activity cannot specify the site of involvement.
Could the tree diversity pattern in Europe be generated by postglacial dispersal limitation?
Authors: Svenning Jens‐Christian , Skov Flemming 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe relative importance of contemporary climate and history as controls of geographical diversity patterns is intensely debated. A key example is the controversy over the extent to which temperate tree distributions and diversity patterns reflect postglacial dispersal limitation. Here, we focus on Central and Northern Europe, and show that recent estimates of tree migration rates < 100 m year−1 imply that many species have probably not reached equilibrium with climate in this region. We then demonstrate that geographical accessibility from glacial refuges explains 78% of the geographical variation in the region's tree diversity and is a much stronger diversity predictor than climate. Finally, we show that realistic estimates of migration rates can be derived from the observed tree diversity pattern by assuming it to be purely dispersal driven. In conclusion, the tree diversity pattern in Central and Northern Europe could, to a large extent, be a result of postglacial dispersal limitation.