bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of cellulite with a bipolar radiofrequency, infrared heat, and pulsatile suction device: a pilot study
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Manuskiatti Woraphong 
Published: December 2006

SummaryBackground  Very few therapeutic options have proven effective in the treatment of cellulite.Aims  To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse effects of a bipolar radiofrequency (RF), infrared (IR) heat and pulsatile suction device for the treatment of cellulite.Methods  Twelve subjects were treated with the RF‐light‐based device. All subjects were treated twice weekly for a total number of eight to nine treatments. Subjects were evaluated using standardized photographs, and measurements of body weight and circumference of treatment sites at baseline, immediately after the last treatment, and four weeks and one year after the last treatment. Clinical improvement scores of comparable photographs using a quartile grading scale (0 = <25%, 1 = 25–50%, 2 = 51–75%, 3 = >75% improvement) were judged independently by two non‐treating dermatologists after the series of treatment.Results  The average body weights at baseline, immediately after the last treatment, and four weeks and one year after the complete treatment were 56.30, 56.05, 56.23, and 56.53 kg, respectively. The average circumferential reductions of the abdomen and thigh at the last treatment visit were 5.17 ± 1.04 cm (6.32%± 1.82%) and 3.50 ± 2.16 cm (6.23 ± 3.58%), respectively. At four weeks after the last treatment, the average circumferential reductions of the abdomen and thigh were sustained at 3.17 ± 2.75 cm (4.04%± 3.69%) and 3.50 ± 2.04 cm (6.26%± 3.52%), respectively. At one year follow‐up visit, the average circumferential reductions of the abdomen and thigh were maintained at 3.83 ± 0.76 cm (4.64%± 1.15%) and 3.13 ± 3.54 (5.50%± 6.12%), respectively. Average clinical improvement scores of the abdomen and thigh after the series of treatments were 0.75 (corresponding to ~25% improvement), and 1.75 (corresponding to ~50% improvement), respectively.ConclusionsA bipolar RF, IR heat and pulsatile suction device provides a beneficial effect on reduction of abdomen and thigh circumference, and smoothening of the cellulite.
Tongue pain: burning mouth syndrome vs Candida‐ associated lesion
Authors: Terai H , Shimahara M 
Published: December 2006

Objective:  We investigated patients with tongue pain to examine whether the differential diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome and Candida‐associated lesion was possible.Patients and methods:  Sixty patients with tongue pain were divided into three groups according to the intensity of pain at rest and that when eating using the visual analogue scale: Group A: Functional pain group. Group B: Non‐functional pain group. Group C: Mixed pain group. Antifungal treatment was scheduled for patients suspected clinically, mycologically or cytologically as having candidal infection.Results:  The results of the culture test and direct examination indicated that group A was different from others by its high positivity for Candida, a good response to the antifungal treatment was obtained. On the other hand, antifungal treatment was not useful in group B, and the low possibility of Candida infection in the direct examination supported the result in this group. In group C, the positivity of Candida and the effect of the antifungal treatment were between groups A and B.Conclusion:  These results may suggest that tongue pain in group A is Candida‐associated, that in group B is burning mouth syndrome‐induced and that of group C is mixed conditions.
Curcumin and Kolaviron Ameliorate Di‐n‐Butylphthalate‐Induced Testicular Damage in Rats
Authors: Farombi Ebenezer Olatunde , Abarikwu Sunday O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Oyeyemi Matthew O. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  The present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effects of kolaviron (a biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola) and curcumin (from the rhizome, Curcuma longa L.) on the di‐n‐butylphthalate (DBP)‐induced testicular damage in rats. Administration of DBP to rats at a dose of 2 g/kg for 9 days significantly decreased the relative testicular weights compared to the controls, while the weights of other organs remained unaffected. Curcumin or kolaviron did not affect all the organ weights of the animals. While only DBP treatment significantly increased the testicular malondialdehyde level and gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity (γ‐GT), it markedly decreased glutathione level, the testicular catalase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, sperm γ‐GT activities and serum testosterone level compared to the control group. Data on cauda epididymal sperm count and live/dead ratio were not significantly affected in the DBP‐treated rats. Alone, DBP treatment resulted in a 66% decrease in spermatozoa motility and a 77% increase in abnormal spermatozoa in comparison to control. DBP‐treated rats showed marked degeneration of the seminiferous tubules with necrosis and defoliation of spermatocytes. The DBP‐induced injuries in biochemical, spermatological parameters and histological structure of testis were recovered by treatment with kolaviron or curcumin. The pattern in the behaviour of these compounds might be correlated with their structural variations. Our results indicate that kolaviron and curcumin protect against testicular oxidative damage induced by DBP. The chemoprotective effects of these compounds may be due to their intrinsic antioxidant properties and as such may prove useful in combating phthalate‐induced reproductive toxicity.
Who’s Skipping School: Characteristics of Truants in 8th and 10th Grade
Authors: Henry Kimberly L. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:  Truancy is a serious concern that affects most school districts in the United States; however, we do not have accurate estimates of the prevalence of truancy due to inconsistent tracking and reporting practices of schools. As a result, our best current estimates of the national state of truancy may be from self‐reported data. In this article, the first objective is to present the prevalence of self‐reported recent truancy (ie, truancy within the past 4 weeks) among 8th‐ and 10th‐grade students. The second objective is to explore associations between recent truant behavior, demographic and family characteristics, school‐related risk factors, and drug use.Methods:  The 2003 wave of the Monitoring the Future data was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between many potential predictors and the probability of recent truancy.Results:  Nearly, 11% of 8th graders and over 16% of 10th graders reported recent truancy. Among the most salient predictors of recent truancy were parental education, having large amounts of unsupervised time after school, school disengagement variables (eg, poor grades and low educational aspirations), and drug use.Conclusions:  Truancy is a common behavior among adolescents and can have potentially deleterious effects. This paper offers insight into the types of students who may be prone to skipping school and suggests potential target audiences for truancy prevention initiatives.
Fractures in New Zealand Elementary School Settings
Authors: Rubie‐Davies Christine M. , Townsend Michael A. R. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:  There is a need for greater international understanding of student safety in schools. This New Zealand study investigated the causes and school location of fractures sustained by students attending elementary school, with special emphasis on the types of fractures sustained following falls from playground equipment of various heights.Methods:  Over a 1‐year period, 76 participating schools (with a combined roll of over 25,000 students) completed a questionnaire about the nature and circumstances of student fractures sustained during regular school hours.Results:  Some 118 students sustained a total of 131 fractures. Injuries from playground equipment were no more frequent than those from general activities at school, and most were sustained in falls from heights less than 59 inches. Most fractures were to the upper limbs. Fractures were found to vary by gender and school size.Conclusions:  The results are discussed in terms of the conditions and policies present in local schools, and the tension that exists in maintaining safety while offering appropriate challenges to students. Improvements in school safety may be more likely to result from a greater focus on the way that students interact at school, rather than on modifications to playground equipment.
Comparison of Itraconazole and Fluconazole Treatments in a Murine Model of Coccidioidal Meningitis
Authors: Kamberi Perparim , Sobel Raymond A. , Clemons Karl V. , Waldvogel Andreas , Striebel Joan M. , Williams Paul L. , Stevens David A. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Coccidioidal meningitis (CM) is a devastating disease that requires long-term therapy and for which there is little hope of a cure. A model was used to compare the efficacies of itraconazole and fluconazole. CD-1 mice were infected intrathecally with 30 to 36 viable arthroconidia of
Coccidioides
. Oral therapy with cyclodextrin (control) or itraconazole or fluconazole at 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg of body weight twice daily (BID) was given for 12 days, from day 3 of infection. Treatment with both antifungals at all doses prolonged survival compared with that of the control treatment (
P
< 0.01 to 0.0001). At 50 mg/kg, itraconazole and fluconazole were equivalent, whereas itraconazole at 10 or 25 mg/kg prolonged survival compared to that achieved with fluconazole at these dosages (
P
< 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Early histologic analysis (10 days of treatment) with 50 mg/kg BID itraconazole or fluconazole showed suppression of CM in all five animals per group; in quantitative cultures, three of three animals from each group had no detectable infection in the brain, spinal cord, or a site of secondary infection, the lungs. In contrast, four of seven controls showed mild to severe meningitis, with arteritis detected in three animals. In a short-term organ clearance study, 5 days of treatment with 10 or 50 mg/kg BID itraconazole or fluconazole reduced the tissue burdens in the brain and spinal cord compared to the tissue burdens in the controls (
P
< 0.02 to 0.0003). Fluconazole at 10 mg/kg did not reduce the fungal burden in secondary sites, the lungs and kidneys, whereas this itraconazole dose was more effective in clearing the fungi from both organs (
P
< 0.05 and
P
< 0.001, respectively). At 50 mg/kg, itraconazole and fluconazole were equivalent in clearing the fungi from the brain and kidney, but itraconazole was superior to fluconazole in clearing the fungi from the spinal cord and lungs (
P
< 0.05). Thus, both itraconazole and fluconazole were effective at controlling CM, but neither eliminated
Coccidioides
from tissues. Overall, itraconazole was more efficacious on an mg/kg basis; at high doses they were similarly effective.
Impact of Nevirapine (NVP) Plasma Concentration on Selection of Resistant Virus in Mothers Who Received Single-Dose NVP To Prevent Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission and Persistence of Resistant Virus in Their Infected Children
Authors: Chaix Marie-Laure , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi , Peytavin Gilles , Rouet François , Tonwe-Gold Besigin , Viho Ida , Bequet Laurence , Amani-Bosse Clarisse , Menan Hervé , Leroy Valériane , Rouzioux Christine , Dabis François 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance following the use of single-dose nevirapine (sdNVP) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) remains a concern. In the ANRS-1201/1202 Ditrame study, conducted in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a short-course regimen of zidovudine was associated with sdNVP for PMTCT. In this study, we estimate the frequency of NVP resistance and its relationship with NVP concentration in mothers. Genotypic resistance analysis was performed on mothers' plasma samples at week 4 postpartum (PP) and on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) when an NVP resistance mutation was detected. The same tests were performed for the infected children at week 4, month 3, and month 12. Mothers' NVP plasma concentrations were measured at 48 h PP. Twenty-one (33%) of the 63 women selected had NVP-resistant (NVP-R) virus at week 4 PP. The median plasma NVP concentration was 598 ng/ml for the mothers without NVP-R virus compared to 851 ng/ml for the mothers harboring NVP-R virus (
P
= 0.014). NVP-R mutations were detected in the HIV DNA of 15/20 women. Plasma NVP-R mutations were detectable in 6 of 26 infected children at week 4. All 6 children had detectable NVP-R mutations in HIV DNA of PBMC. Blood samples taken at month 3 (1 child) and month 12 (1 child) revealed the persistence of NVP-R mutations in plasma and cells. Emergence of NVP-R virus in mothers is strongly correlated with a high level of plasma NVP concentration, owing to a prolonged postpartum period of viral replication under NVP selective pressure. The follow-up of the cohort demonstrates the prolonged archive of resistant virus.
Virally Activated CD8 T Cells Home toMycobacterium bovisBCG-Induced Granulomas but Enhance Antimycobacterial Protection Only in Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Hogan Laura H. , Co Dominic O. , Karman Jozsef , Heninger Erika , Suresh M. , Sandor Matyas 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTThe effect of secondary infections on CD4 T-cell-regulated chronic granulomatous inflammation is not well understood. Here, we have investigated the effect of an acute viral infection on the cellular composition and bacterial protection inMycobacterium bovisstrain bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-induced granulomas using an immunocompetent and a partially immunodeficient murine model. Acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) coinfection of C57BL/6 mice led to substantial accumulation of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing LCMV-specific T cells in liver granulomas and increased local IFN-γ. Despite traffic of activated T cells that resulted in a CD8 T-cell-dominated granuloma, the BCG liver organ load was unaltered from control levels. In OT-1 T-cell-receptor (TCR) transgenic mice, ovalbumin (OVA) immunization or LCMV coinfection of BCG-infected mice induced CD8 T-cell-dominated granulomas containing large numbers of non-BCG-specific activated T cells. The higher baseline BCG organ load in this CD8 TCR transgenic animal allowed us to demonstrate that OVA immunization and LCMV coinfection increased anti-BCG protection. The bacterial load remained substantially higher than in mice with a more complete TCR repertoire. Overall, the present study suggests that peripherally activated CD8 T cells can be recruited to chronic inflammatory sites, but their contribution to protective immunity is limited to conditions of underlying immunodeficiency.
The Psa Fimbriae of
Yersinia pestis
Interact with Phosphatidylcholine on Alveolar Epithelial Cells and Pulmonary Surfactant
Authors: Galván Estela M. , Chen Huaiqing , Schifferli Dieter M. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

The pH 6 antigen (Psa) of
Yersinia pestis
consists of fimbriae with adhesive properties of potential importance for the pathogenesis of plague, including pneumonic plague. The Psa fimbriae mediate bacterial binding to human alveolar epithelial cells. The Psa fimbriae bound mostly to one component present in the total lipid extract from type II alveolar epithelial cells of the cell line A549 separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The Psa receptor was identified as phosphatidylcholine (PC) by TLC using alkali treatment, molybdenum blue staining, and Psa overlays. The Psa fimbriae bound to PC in a dose-dependent manner, and binding was inhibited by phosphorylcholine (ChoP) and choline. Binding inhibition was dose dependent, although only high concentrations of ChoP completely blocked Psa binding to PC. In contrast, less than 1 μM of a ChoP-polylysine polymer inhibited specifically the adhesion of Psa-fimbriated
Escherichia coli
to PC, and type I (WI-26 VA4) and type II alveolar epithelial cells. These results indicated that the homopolymeric Psa fimbriae are multimeric adhesins. Psa also bound to pulmonary surfactant, which covers the alveolar surface as a product of type II alveolar epithelial cells and includes PC as the major component. The observed dose-dependent interaction of Psa with pulmonary surfactant was blocked by ChoP. Interestingly, surfactant did not inhibit Psa-mediated bacterial binding to alveolar cells, suggesting that both surfactant and cell membrane PC retain Psa-fimbriated bacteria on the alveolar surface. Altogether, the results indicate that Psa uses the ChoP moiety of PC as a receptor to mediate bacterial binding to pulmonary surfactant and alveolar epithelial cells.
Coactivating Signals for the Hepatic Lymphocyte Gamma Interferon Response toFrancisella tularensis
Authors: Wickstrum Jason R. , Hong Kee-Jong , Bokhari Sirosh , Reed Natalie , McWilliams Nicholas , Horvat Rebecca T. , Parmely Michael J. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTThe facultative intracellular bacteriumFrancisella tularensisis capable of causing systemic infections in various hosts, including mice and humans. The liver is a major secondary site ofF. tularensisinfection, but hepatic immune responses to the pathogen remain poorly defined. Immune protection against the pathogen is thought to depend on the cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ), but the cellular basis for this response has not been characterized. Here we report that natural killer cells from the livers of naïve uninfected mice produced IFN-γ when challenged with live bacteria in vitro and that the responses were greatly increased by coactivation of the cells with either recombinant interleukin-12 (IL-12) or IL-18. Moreover, the two cytokines had strong synergistic effects on IFN-γ induction. Neutralizing antibodies to either IL-12 or IL-18 inhibited IFN-γ production in vitro, and mice deficient in the p35 subunit of IL-12 failed to show IFN-γ responses to bacterial challenge either in vitro or in vivo. Clinical isolates of highly virulent type AFrancisella tularensissubsp.tularensisorganisms were comparable to the live attenuated vaccine strain ofFrancisella tularensissubsp.holarcticain their ability to induce IL-12 and IFN-γ expression. These findings demonstrate that cells capable of mounting IFN-γ responses toF. tularensisare resident within the livers of uninfected mice and depend on coactivation by IL-12 and IL-18 for optimum responses.
Cellular Pyrin Domain-Only Protein 2 Is a Candidate Regulator of Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Dorfleutner Andrea , Bryan Nicole B. , Talbott Siera J. , Funya Kristin N. , Rellick Stephanie L. , Reed John C. , Shi Xianglin , Rojanasakul Yon , Flynn Daniel C. , Stehlik Christian 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT
Pyrin domain (PYD) proteins have recently emerged as important signaling molecules involved in the development of innate immunity against intracellular pathogens through activation of inflammatory mediator pathways. ASC is the central adaptor protein, which links pathogen recognition by PYD-containing pathogen recognition receptors, known as PYD-Nod-like receptors (NLR), PAN, PYPAF, NALP, Nod, and Caterpiller proteins, to the activation of downstream effectors, including activation of caspase-1 and NF-κB. Activation of these effectors occurs when specific protein complexes, known as inflammasomes, are formed. PYD signal transduction leads to inflammasome assembly and activation of specific effector proteins. It is modulated by a cellular PYD-only protein (cPOP1), which binds to ASC and interferes with the recruitment of ASC to activated PYD-NLRs. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a second cellular POP (cPOP2), which shows highest homology to the PYD of PAN1. cPOP2 binds to ASC and PAN1, thereby blocking formation of cryopyrin and PAN1-containing inflammasomes, activation of caspase-1, and subsequent processing and secretion of bioactive interleukin-1β. Existence of a second cPOP provides additional insights into inflammasome formation and suggests that POPs might be a common regulatory mechanism to “fine-tune” the activity of specific PYD-NLR family protein-containing inflammasomes.
Preclinical Evaluation of Antiangiogenic Thrombospondin-1 Peptide Mimetics, ABT-526 and ABT-510, in Companion Dogs with Naturally Occurring Cancers
Authors: Rusk Anthony , McKeegan Evelyn , Haviv Fortuna , Majest Sandra , Henkin Jack , Khanna Chand 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurpose: The angiogenic phenotype of malignant cancers has been established as a target for cancer therapy. ABT-526 and ABT-510, two peptide mimetics of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), block angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and slow tumor growth in mice. To guide the clinical development of these drugs, translational studies in dogs with naturally occurring cancers were initiated.Experimental Design: A prospective open-label trial using ABT-510 or ABT-526 in pet dogs with measurable malignant spontaneously arising tumors. Endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics, antitumor activity, and preliminary assessment of changes in circulating endothelial cell populations.Results: Two-hundred and forty-two dogs were sequentially entered to this open-label trial. The elimination half-life for ABT-510 and ABT-526 was 0.7 and 0.8 h, respectively (range, 0.5-1 h). No dose-limiting toxicities were seen in any dogs (N = 242). Forty-two dogs receiving peptide had objective responses (&gt;50% reduction in tumor size; n = 6) or significant disease stabilization. Most objective responses were seen after 60 days of exposure to the TSP-1 peptide. Antitumor activity was similar for both peptides and was seen in several histologies, including mammary carcinoma, head and neck carcinoma, soft tissue sarcoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and non–Hodgkin's lymphoma. Assessment of circulating endothelial cell populations in a small subset of dogs suggested that effective exposure to TSP-1 peptides may be associated with reductions in circulating endothelial cells.Conclusions: These results support the safety and activity of ABT-526 and ABT-510 in dogs with naturally occurring malignant cancers. Data from this preclinical trial support the development of TSP-1 mimetic peptides as anticancer agents.