bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pigmented eccrine poromas: expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines by tumour cells does not always result in melanocyte colonization
Authors: Hu SCS , Chen GS , Wu CS , Chai CY , Chen WT , Lan CCE 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Although eccrine poroma (EP) occurs preferentially in palmoplantar areas, pigmented variants of EP have not been documented on the palms and soles.Objectives  We seek to confirm the notion regarding lack of pigmented EP on palmoplantar areas and determine whether the absence of pigmentation in palmoplantar EPs is due to lack of expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines by tumour cells.Methods  We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases (1966–2006) for reports of pigmented EPs. In addition, a total of 17 EPs were collected from our pathology department. The presence of melanin was examined with haematoxylin‐eosin sections, and melanocyte colonization was shown by immunohistochemical stains for tyrosinase. In addition, immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines, including endothelin‐1, stem cell factor, and nerve growth factor, was done on these tumours.Results  A review of the literature revealed 15 pigmented EP reports, none of which were located in palmoplantar areas. Among 17 EPs collected from our pathology department, 7 occurred in palmoplantar areas and 10 in non‐palmoplantar areas. Three of the palmoplantar EPs and three of the non‐palmoplantar EPs showed positive staining with melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines. However, none of the palmoplantar EPs contained melanocytes or melanin pigment, wheras the three non‐palmoplantar EPs that stained positively with melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines were colonized with melanocytes and showed pigmentation clinically.Conclusions  The expression of melanocyte‐stimulating factors by tumour cells is associated with melanocyte colonization in non‐palmoplantar EPs but not palmoplantar EPs. Therefore, the presence of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines per se is not sufficient by itself to induce melanocyte colonization. Certain characteristics of palmoplantar skin, such as the dermal components of these anatomical sites, may play a role in inhibiting melanocyte colonization of EPs.
Developmental changes of mast cell populations in the cerebral meninges of the rat
Authors: Michaloudi Helen , Batzios Christos , Chiotelli Maria , Papadopoulos Georgios C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIt is known that both the dura and the pia mater attract and support the differentiation of mast cells. The present study shows that unevenly distributed mast cells in the cerebral meninges of the rat can be found in perivascular sites and vessel ramification points, but can also be unrelated to the meningeal vasculature. It also documents changes in the number, localization and staining preferences of the mast cells in the two meninges of the developing and mature rat brain. Quantitative examination of all types of histochemically differentiated meningeal mast cells reveals no major (although some exist) differences between right and left side subpopulations, but strongly suggests a different origin and fate of the dural and the pial mast cells. The number of dural mast cells, already high from postnatal day 0, although declining from postnatal day 21 onwards, remains conspicuous up to postnatal day 180. In contrast, pial mast cells are comparatively very few in the first day of the postnatal life, and despite a transient significant increase in the following two weeks, they reach almost zero levels from postnatal day 21.
Nanostructure of the aqueous form of lung surfactant of different species visualized by cryo‐transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Waisman Dan , Danino Dganit , Weintraub Zalman , Schmidt Judith , Talmon Yeshayahu 
Published: September 2007

SummaryCryogenic temperature transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) makes it possible to study the nanostructure of a wide range of fluid phases with a high degree of preservation. Most studies based on scanning electron microscopy or TEM employ specimen preparation techniques that give extraordinary results for tissues, but alter the native structure of complex fluid substances such as lung surfactant. In this paper, we evaluated direct‐imaging cryo‐TEM as a method to study the morphology of the aqueous form of lung surfactant. We compared the morphology of samples obtained from different species, and cryo‐TEM data to data obtained by staining‐and‐drying. We demonstrate that cryo‐TEM preserves and images much better sample morphology and fine details of the surfactant structures. We show that cryo‐TEM, a method based on physical fixation, which avoids chemical changes and aggregate rearrangement, is a most useful tool to further our understanding of lung surfactant and its function.
Suspected cross‐hepatotoxicity of flutamide and cyproterone acetate
Authors: Miquel Mireia , Soler Aina , Vaqué Anna , Ojanguren Isabel , Costa Joan , Planas Ramon 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFlutamide and cyproterone acetate (CPA) are both oral anti‐androgens commonly used to treat advanced prostatic cancer. We report a case of drug‐induced hepatotoxicity after consecutive treatment with flutamide and CPA. A 78‐year‐old male with advanced prostatic adenocarcinoma had been treated with flutamide 750 mg/day p.o. and leuproleride acetate 22.5 mg/3 months i.m. Three months later, the patient complained of choluria and jaundice. Laboratory examination revealed severe hepatocellular insufficiency. Flutamide‐induced hepatotoxicity was suspected and therefore flutamide was withdrawn. His liver function abnormalities resolved after drug discontinuation. He was subsequently started on CPA 150 mg/day and again developed hepatotoxicity with severe hepatocellular impairment, which completely recovered after drug discontinuation. Other causes of acute liver failure were appropriately ruled out in both episodes and there was no evidence of active prostate cancer or liver metastases in both episodes. The occurrence of hepatotoxicity associated with flutamide and CPA on separated occasions suggests the possibility of a common mechanism of injury. It may become necessary to reassess the common practice of switching to another anti‐androgen when hepatotoxicity appears. A closer monitoring of liver enzymes might be necessary in such cases, as an increased risk of a new severe hepatotoxicity event cannot be ruled out.
Evaluation of a Congenital Erosive and Vesicular Dermatosis Healing with Reticulated Supple Scarring
Authors: Gonçalves Ricardo V. , Pessoa Osvania M. N. , Lowy Gabriela 
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis healing with reticulated supple scarring is a rare disease first reported by Cohen et al in 1985. To date only 13 cases of this disease have been reported. This entity is characterized by the presence of erosions and vesicles at birth, usually affecting about 75% of the body which heals with reticulated scarring in weeks to months. We report a case of this disease related to a boy who was born with erosions affecting his head, trunk, and limbs. All lesions healed completely after 3 months with reticulated scarring without any clinical complications.
Agonists of proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 affect transendothelial migration and apoptosis of human neutrophils
Authors: Shpacovitch Victoria M. , Seeliger Stephan , Huber‐Lang Markus , Balkow Sandra , Feld Micha , Hollenberg Morley D. , Sarma Vidya J. , Ward Peter A. , Strey Anke , Gerke Volker , Sommerhoff Christian P. , Vergnolle Nathalie , Steinhoff Martin 
Published: September 2007

Abstract: Skin is the first barrier preventing microorganism invasion in host. Wounds destroy this defense barrier and, without an appropriate care, may lead to sepsis. Neutrophil activation and immigration plays an important role at the inflammatory stage of wound healing. Neutrophils are known to express proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs), which can be activated by serine proteases, also by enzymes involved in wound healing. We previously reported that PAR2agonists up‐regulate cell adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production by human neutrophils. Here, we demonstrate that PAR2agonists (serine proteases as well as synthetic peptides) reduce transendothelial migration of neutrophils and prolong their lifein vitro. Synthetic PAR2agonist also enhanced protective interferon (IFN)γ‐induced FcγRI expression at neutrophil cell surface. Of note, IFNγ is a cytokine, which was used in clinical trials to reactivate human neutrophil functions during sepsis. Moreover, we observed a significant increase of PAR2expression on cell surface of neutrophils from septic patients as compared with healthy volunteers. Together, our results indicate that PAR2may be involved in the pathophysiology of neutrophil‐endothelial interactions during wound healing or later during sepsis in humans, potentially by affecting neutrophil apoptosis, transendothelial migration and Fcγ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis.
Value of Combined Clinical Information and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Pregnancy for the Prediction of Postpartum Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Mamede da Costa Sheila , Sieiro Netto Lino , Coeli Claudia Medina , Buescu Alexandru , Vaisman Mario 
Published: September 2007

ProblemTo investigate the utility of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in early pregnancy combined with clinical information for prediction of postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) within 1 year postpartum.Method of studyWe studied 98 pregnant women by determining their TPOAb levels in early pregnancy, as well as their serum thyrotropin and free thyroid (fT4) levels at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Furthermore, they answered a questionnaire and physical examination was performed by only one examiner.ResultsOf the 98 women, 10 were positive TPOAb in early pregnancy. The overall risk of PPTD within 1 year of follow‐up was 10.2% (95% CI 4.1–16.3). Risk of PPTD was significantly higher among women with a family history of thyroid disease, TPOAb positive and presenting goiter in early pregnancy. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of TPOAb in PPTD prediction were 60.0%, 95.5% and 60%. Restricting screening to women with a family history of thyroid disease or presenting goiter increases the positive predictive value from 60% to 82.4%.ConclusionOur results suggest that TPOAb could be used as a screening test for PPTD prediction at least among women who present a high risk of developing PPTD.
Human Leukocyte Antigen May Predict Outcome of Primary Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Treated with Paternal Lymphocyte Alloimmunization Therapy
Authors: Kano Takashi , Mori Takahide , Furudono Masako , Ishikawa Hironobu , Watanabe Hirohiko , Kikkawa Eri , Warita Takayuki , Onizuka Makoto , Takahashi Megumi , Maeda Yutaka , Naruse Taeko , Inoko Hidetoshi , Kimura Akinori 
Published: September 2007

ProblemRecurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined by at least three consecutive abortions in otherwise healthy couples. Paternal lymphocyte alloimmunization therapy (PLAT) is an effective therapy for RSA in some cases, but there are no predictive markers about the effectiveness of PLAT.Method of studyForty‐two consecutive cases with primary RSA treated by PLAT and 23 controls were the subjects. Polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐E, HLA‐G, HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C and HLA‐DRB1 were investigated by sequenced based typing. Promoter polymorphism and a 14 bp ins/del polymorphism in exon 8 were also investigated for HLA‐G.ResultsThirty‐eight RSA wives became pregnant within 1 year after PLAT. Among them, 27 obtained babies (succeeded PLAT cases), while 11 again aborted with no detectable chromosomal abnormalities in the aborted fetuses (aborted PLAT cases). The frequencies of HLA‐G*010401, A*2402, B*5201, and DRB1*1502 were significantly increased in the aborted cases than those in the succeeded cases or controls. Of note, HLA‐G*010401 was found in all aborted cases whereas it was found in 51.9% of succeeded cases (odds ratio = 21.4, P = 0.006, Pc = 0.03), and the presence of HLA‐G*010401 could predict the abortion after PLAT with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 48.1%, respectively.ConclusionHuman leukocyte antigen testing may be useful for predicting effectiveness of PLAT in RSA.
Distribution and Spatiotemporal Relationship of Activin A and Follistatin in Mouse Decidual and Placental Tissue
Authors: Candeloro L. , Zorn Telma M. T. 
Published: September 2007

ProblemCells responsible for the synthesis of follistatin and activin A in the pregnant mouse endometrium have not been characterized.Method of studyImmunocytochemistry was used to determine the distribution of follistatin and activin A in the pregnant mouse uterus.ResultsFollistatin was detected in the endometrium prior to decidualization and embryo implantation. Follistatin was not seen in fully decidualized cells, being restricted to non‐decidualized fibroblasts and cells in the process of decidualization. In contrast, activin A was detected exclusively in mature antimesometrial decidual cells during involution. After day eleven of pregnancy, both substances were identified in the extracellular matrix of the spongiotrophoblast.ConclusionAs previously described for decidual prolactin‐related protein and the proteoglycan perlecan, follistatin and activin A were detected in the extracellular matrix of the spongiotrophoblast, suggesting that this region acts as reservoir for these growth factors in the mouse placenta.
Dynamic boundaries of event horizon magnetospheres
Authors: Punsly Brian 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
This Letter analyses three-dimensional (3D) simulations of Kerr black hole magnetospheres that obey the general relativistic equations of perfect magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Particular emphasis is on the event horizon magnetosphere (EHM) which is defined as the the large-scale poloidal magnetic flux that threads the event horizon of a black hole. (This is distinct from the poloidal magnetic flux that threads the equatorial plane of the ergosphere, which forms the ergospheric disc magnetosphere.) Standard MHD theoretical treatments of Poynting jets in the EHM are predicated on the assumption that the plasma comprising the boundaries of the EHM plays no role in producing the Poynting flux. The energy flux is electrodynamic in origin and it is essentially conserved from the horizon to infinity; this is known as the Blandford–Znajek (B–Z) mechanism. In contrast, within the 3D simulations, the lateral boundaries are strong pistons for MHD waves and actually inject prodigious quantities of Poynting flux into the EHM. At high black hole spin rates, strong sources of Poynting flux adjacent to the EHM from the ergospheric disc will actually diffuse to higher latitudes and swamp any putative B–Z effects. This is in contrast to lower spin rates, which are characterized by much lower output powers, and where modest amounts of Poynting flux are injected into the EHM from the accretion disc corona.
REHABILITATION AND RELEASE OF MARINE MAMMALS IN THE UNITED STATES: RISKS AND BENEFITS
Authors: Moore Michael , Early Greg , Touhey Kathleen , Barco Susan , Gulland Frances , Wells Randall 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRehabilitation of stranded marine mammals elicits polarized attitudes: initially done alongside display collections, but release of rehabilitated animals has become more common. Justifications include animal welfare, management of beach use conflict, research, conservation, and public education. Rehabilitation cost and risks have been identified that vary in degree supported by data rather than perception. These include conflict with fisheries for resources, ignorance of recipient population ecology, poor understanding of long‐term survival, support of the genetically not‐so‐fit, introduction of novel or antibiotic‐resistant pathogens, harm to human health, and cost. Thus facilities must balance their welfare appeal against public education, habitat restoration, human impact reduction, and other conservation activities. Benefits to rehabilitating marine mammals are the opportunity to support the welfare of disabled animals and to publish good science and so advance our understanding of wild populations. In specific cases, the status of a population may make conservation the main reason for rehabilitation. These three reasons for rehabilitation lead to contrasting, and sometimes conflicting, management needs. We therefore outline a decision tree for rehabilitation managers using criteria for each management decision, based on welfare, logistics, conservation, research, and funding to define limits on the number of animals released to the wild.
Evoked potential audiometry of 13 Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gilli)
Authors: Houser Dorian S. , Gomez‐Rubio Alex , Finneran James J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractEvoked potential audiograms were measured in 13 Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gilli) to determine the variability in hearing sensitivity and range of hearing. The auditory evoked potential system used a transducer embedded in a suction cup to deliver sinusoidal amplitude modulated tones to each dolphin through the pan region of the lower right jaw. Evoked potentials were recorded noninvasively using surface electrodes, and hearing thresholds were estimated by tracking the amplitude of the envelope following response, an evoked potential that is phase‐locked to the stimulus modulation rate. Frequencies tested ranged from 10 to 180 kHz in each animal. Variability in the range of hearing and age‐related reductions in hearing sensitivity and range of hearing were consistent with those observed in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Comparison of audiograms to a captive population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins demonstrated that the Pacific bottlenose dolphins tested in this study had significantly lower thresholds at frequencies of 40 and 60–115 kHz. Differences in thresholds between the groups are unlikely to be due to methodological factors.
Does tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor infliximab induce histological resolution of pulmonary sarcoid granulomas?
Authors: Milman Nils , Andersen Claus B. , Baslund Bo , Loft Annika , Iversen Martin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:  Sarcoid granuloma formation involves the orchestration of cytokines and chemokines, which modulate the host's immune response to the antigen stimulus. The release of cytokines enhances expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF), which plays a crucial role in the formation of sarcoid granuloma, being released from T‐lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages.Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of infliximab in a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis using a histological approach.Materials and Methods:  A 44‐year‐old man with biopsy verified chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis being resistant to treatment with corticosteroids and cell cycle inhibitors. Persisting disease activity was confirmed by declining lung function tests and a positive fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography scan. The patient was treated with a single course of infliximab 3‐mg/kg body weight; 11 days later, a single lung transplantation was performed. Immunohistological staining with the macrophage marker CD68 was performed on lung tissue and mediastinal lymph node tissue from both the initial diagnostic evaluation (prior to infliximab) as well as from the explanted lung (after infliximab).Results:  Biopsy specimens from lung and mediastinal lymph nodes prior to infliximab demonstrated sarcoid granulomas, and staining with CD68 showed dense infiltration by macrophages (epithelioid cells) in the central part of the granulomas. In contrast, biopsies from the explanted lung after infliximab demonstrated acellular sarcoid granulomas with central amorphous masses, and staining with CD68 showed complete absence of macrophages.Conclusions:  In this patient, the TNF inhibitor infliximab appeared to induce resolution of sarcoid granulomas starting with disappearance of macrophages probably caused by cell lysis or apoptosis.Please cite this paper as: Milman N, Andersen CB, Baslund B, Loft A and Iversen M. Does tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor infliximab induce histological resolution of pulmonary sarcoid granulomas? The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007; 1:106–113.
Correlation between parametric imaging using contrast ultrasound and the histological differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori , Kamiyama Naohisa , Yamada Masahiko , Iijima Hiroko 
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To determine whether parametric imaging correlates with the degree of histological differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  The samples comprised 49 nodules diagnosed histologically as HCC: 19 well differentiated (w‐HCC), 22 moderately differentiated (m‐HCC), and eight poorly differentiated (p‐HCC). The ultrasound (US) equipment used was SSA‐770 A (Toshiba Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) and the contrast agent was SonoVue (Bracco, Milan, Italy). After 1.5 mL of SonoVue was injected intravenously and staining of the tumors and parenchyma was confirmed, microbubbles in the scanned volume were eliminated using high mechanical index (MI) scanning frames. The “arrival time (TA) images,” reflecting β‐values, were displayed with color codes at the phase after reperfusion. Images at the phase when the staining reached a plateau (90–180 s) were used as “A images,” reflecting A values. These images were compared between each histological grade of differentiation.Results:  Analysis of TA images indicated that β‐values in m‐HCC were higher than those in the adjacent non‐tumor parenchyma in all 22 samples and also were significantly higher than in the other HCCs (P < 0.001 for w‐HCC; P < 0.05 for p‐HCC). Furthermore, β‐values in p‐HCC samples had significantly larger variations in terms of time and space than in the other HCCs (P < 0.001 for w‐HCC; P < 0.01 for m‐HCC). Analysis of A images indicated that the A value for w‐HCC was significantly higher than those for either m‐HCC or p‐HCC (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Both TA and A images were useful for diagnosing the histological differentiation of HCC.
Induction of Immune Responses in Mice after Intragastric Administration of
Lactobacillus casei
Producing Porcine Parvovirus VP2 Protein
Authors: Xu Yigang , Li Yijing 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus casei
ATCC 393 was selected as an antigen delivery vehicle for mucosal immunization against porcine parvovirus (PPV) infection. A 64-kDa fragment of PPV major protective antigen VP2 protein was used as the parvovirus antigen model. A recombinant
Lactobacillus
expressing VP2 protein was constructed with plasmid pPG611.1, where expression and localization of the VP2 protein from recombinant Lc393-rPPV-VP2 was detected via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Both local mucosal and systemic immune responses against PPV were induced in BALB/c mice immunized orally with the recombinant
Lactobacillus
expressing VP2 protein. The induced antibodies demonstrated neutralizing effects on PPV infection. These data indicated that the use of recombinant lactobacilli could be a valuable strategy for future vaccine development of PPV.
6-Aminohexanoate Oligomer Hydrolases from the Alkalophilic Bacteria
Agromyces
sp. Strain KY5R and
Kocuria
sp. Strain KY2
Authors: Yasuhira Kengo , Tanaka Yasuhito , Shibata Hiroshi , Kawashima Yasuyuki , Ohara Akira , Kato Dai-ichiro , Takeo Masahiro , Negoro Seiji 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Alkalophilic, nylon oligomer-degrading strains,
Agromyces
sp. and
Kocuria
sp., were isolated from the wastewater of a nylon-6 factory and from activated sludge from a sewage disposal plant. The 6-aminohexanoate oligomer hydrolases (NylC) from the alkalophilic strains had 95.8 to 98.6% similarity to the enzyme in neutrophilic
Arthrobacter
sp. but had superior thermostability, activity under alkaline conditions, and affinity for nylon-related substrates, which would be advantageous for biotechnological applications.