bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase protects neuroblastoma cells from oxidative stress mediated by garlic derivatives
Authors: Aquilano Katia , Filomeni Giuseppe , Baldelli Sara , Piccirillo Sara , De Martino Angelo , Rotilio Giuseppe , Ciriolo Maria Rosa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this study, we further examined the effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS), one of the major components of oil‐soluble garlic extracts (GE) and of raw water GE on SH‐SY5Y and NSC34 neuronal cell lines. Both treatments with DADS and GE were able to induce growth arrest and apoptosis, and we observed an increased flux of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as early signs of cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that the content of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) increased as early as 1 h of treatment demonstrating to be a very early sensor of DADS and GE cytotoxicity. Treatments with l‐nitropropyl‐arginine, an inhibitor of nNOS, increased the rate of apoptosis whereas the overexpression of nNOS significantly reduced cell death by inhibiting DNA damage, protein oxidation, and the activation of the JNK/c‐Jun apoptotic signaling cascade. Overall these results demonstrate that garlic derivatives may modulate nNOS and suggest an important contribution of nitric oxide in counteracting their reactive oxygen species‐mediated cytotoxicity.
(‐)Epicatechin stimulates ERK‐dependent cyclic AMP response element activity and up‐regulates GluR2 in cortical neurons
Authors: Schroeter Hagen , Bahia Parmvir , Spencer Jeremy P. E. , Sheppard Olivia , Rattray Marcus , Cadenas Enrique , Rice‐Evans Catherine , Williams Robert J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that the cellular actions of flavonoids relate not simply to their antioxidant potential but also to the modulation of protein kinase signalling pathways. We investigated in primary cortical neurons, the ability of the flavan‐3‐ol, (‐)epicatechin, and its human metabolites at physiologically relevant concentrations, to stimulate phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB), a regulator of neuronal viability and synaptic plasticity. (‐)Epicatechin at 100–300 nmol/L stimulated a rapid, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐ and PI3K‐dependent, increase in CREB phosphorylation. At micromolar concentrations, stimulation was no longer apparent and at the highest concentration tested (30 μmol/L) (‐)epicatechin was inhibitory. (‐)Epicatechin also stimulated ERK and Akt phosphorylation with similar bell‐shaped concentration‐response characteristics. The human metabolite 3′‐O‐methyl‐(‐)epicatechin was as effective as (‐)epicatechin at stimulating ERK phosphorylation, but (‐)epicatechin glucuronide was inactive. (‐)Epicatechin and 3′‐O‐methyl‐(‐)epicatechin treatments (100 nmol/L) increased CRE‐luciferase activity in cortical neurons in a partially ERK‐dependent manner, suggesting the potential to increase CREB‐mediated gene expression. mRNA levels of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR2 increased by 60%, measured 18 h after a 15 min exposure to (‐)epicatechin and this translated into an increase in GluR2 protein. Thus, (‐)epicatechin has the potential to increase CREB‐regulated gene expression and increase GluR2 levels and thus modulate neurotransmission, plasticity and synaptogenesis.
How to deal with multiple treatment or dose groups in randomized clinical trials?
Authors: Hothorn L.A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMultiplicity adjustment in general is currently a controversial topic. This review focuses on the proof of efficacy in randomized clinical trials. The ICH guidelines mandate control of the familywise error rate. Confidence intervals are clinically more appropriate than P‐values or yes/no decisions. Therefore, simultaneous confidence intervals are proposed for several designs and aims in clinical trials. The computation of simultaneous confidence intervals for the difference or the ratio is demonstrated by means of real data examples using the R‐packages multcomp and mratios. A special problem is the evaluation of dose‐finding trials with and without the assumption that the effects increase with increasing doses. Simultaneous intervals are presented not only for one‐way layouts and normal distributed endpoints, but also for higher way layouts, generalized linear models, and mixed models. Under importance ordering, the conditional testing of all hypotheses at level α will be shown using the intersection–union test principle. Other multiplicity issues (i.e. multiple endpoints, multiple analyses, and subgroup analyses) are discussed.
Technical Note: Pre‐surgical anisometropia influences post‐LASIK binocular mesopic contrast sensitivity function
Authors: Anera Rosario G. , Jiménez José R. , Villa César , Rodríguez‐Marín Francisco , Gutiérrez Ramón 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate if pre‐surgical anisometropia influences the post‐LASIK binocular mesopic contrast sensitivity function (CSF).Methods:  Pre‐ and post‐surgical binocular CSF was measured for 54 patients under mesopic conditions. Data on visual acuity and corneal topography were also obtained.Results:  The binocular contrast sensitivity declined significantly (r = 0.86; p < 0.001) with increasing pre‐surgical anisometropia. Post‐surgical interocular differences in corneal asphericity were also associated with increasing pre‐surgical anisometropia.Conclusions:  Pre‐surgical anisometropia may be indicative of a possible significant deterioration of post‐surgical mesopic binocular CSF, and therefore should be taken into account before surgery in analysing the possible disadvantages and limitations of refractive surgery.
Effects of Psoralen‐UV‐A‐Turban in Alopecia Areata
Authors: Grazyna Broniarczyk‐Dyta , Anna Wawrzycka‐Kaflik , Matgorzata Dubla‐Berner , Magdalena Prusinska‐Bratos 
Published: February 2007

Background. Psoralen‐UV‐A (PUVA)‐turban is a modification of PUVA‐bath therapy used in alopecia areata.
Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of PUVA‐turban in different forms of alopecia areata. Twenty patients completed the study: nine with alopecia areata vulgaris and 11 with alopecia areata totalis or universalis.
Methods. 8‐methoxypsoralen in a dilution of 0.0001% (1 mg/L) was administered to the scalp for 20 minutes using a cotton towel as a turban. The application was followed by UV‐A radiation. Treatments were performed two or three times weekly. The cumulative doses ranged from 48.2–253.4 J/cm2, and single fractions ranged from 0.3–6.5 J/cm2.
Results. Hair regrowth was observed in 15 patients (total regrowth in six patients and partial regrowth in nine patients). Five patients did not respond to the therapy.
Conclusions. PUVA‐turban was significantly more effective in alopecia areata vulgaris than in alopecia areata totalis or universalis and proved to be a safe, well tolerated method without the systemic side effects of PUVA.
Facial Skin Myiasis Associated With Advanced Skin Cancer: Failure of Early Detection
Authors: Alex De Souza , Paul Clancy 
Published: February 2007

A 58‐year‐old Caucasian man with Fitzpatrick skin type I presented to the emergency department with an ulcer at the periauricular area. Despite ulceration and chronic inflammatory changes of the border, there was no cellulitis, abscess formation, or gross infection. The center of the wound presented with more than two dozen small maggots (Figures 1 and Figures 2). After diagnosis at the emergency department, the patient was admitted for surgical treatment. One extensive area of the soft tissue was removed. The resection included soft tissue of the preauricular area down to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, occipital areas in full thickness down to the mastoid bone, and amputation of the inferior one third of the ear (Figure 3). Due to the extension of the resection, multiple flaps were used for reconstruction. A combination of three fasciocutaneous flaps was used to close the defect and reconstruct the ear. The entire procedure was performed in a single operation. Multiple specimens were adequately identified and sent to pathology for histologic diagnosis and evaluation of the margins of resection. The pathology report confirmed a basal cell carcinoma with perineural invasion, no cartilage involvement, and presence of maggots. The postoperative time was unremarkable, and the flaps healed without complication. The patient was referred to oncology for follow‐up and possible radiation therapy due to the depth and advanced invasion of the soft tissue by the tumor. The patient responded very well to the treatment, and the reconstruction offered a good cosmetic and functional result (Figure 4). View of the ulcerated lesion with the presence of myiasis image Close view of the ulcerated lesion with multiple foreign bodies (larvae) image Local view after extensive resection. Note the partial amputation of the ear and a complete resection of the ulcerated tumor. image View of the facial area after reconstruction of the ear and face with posterior and anterior fasciocutaneous flaps image
The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Urticaria and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Galadari Ibrahim H. , Sheriff Mohamed Omar 
Published: February 2007

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer, has been associated with several extragastrointestinal diseases. Many studies have shown a positive relation between H. pylori infection and both chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis.
Methods: The study included 20 patients diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria and 20 with atopic dermatitis. A randomized sample of 20 healthy individuals was selected as a control group. H. pylori infection was assessed using the C‐urea breath test, and anti‐H. pylori IgG antibody titers were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: In the chronic idiopathic urticaria group, the urea breath test titer was positive in 75% of patients, and anti‐IgG antibodies were also detected in 75% of patients. In the atopic dermatitis group, titer was positive in 70% and antibodies were detected in 65% of patients, while in the control group, the urea breath test titer was positive in 55% and antibodies were seen in 20% of patients. This difference was statistically highly significant (p<0.001) in the case of anti‐H. pylori antibodies in relation to chronic idiopathic urticaria and significant (p<0.05) in the case of atopic dermatitis.
Conclusions: These results provide some evidence of a relationship between H. pylori infection and both chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Treatment of infection demonstrated by reduction in C‐urea breath test and anti‐H. pylori antibody titers resulted in partial improvement of clinical symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Diagnosis and Management of a Changing Congenital Melanocytic Nevus
Authors: Hoffman Daniel , Ratner Désirée 
Published: February 2007

A 70‐year‐old man presented with a birthmark on the right upper arm that had been present for as long as he could remember (Figure). His physician had referred him for a dermatology consultation because the lesion had become larger and darker over the past year. What are the next steps in the evaluation and management of this patient? The authors discuss the diagnosis and management of a changing congenital melanocytic nevus. The epidemiology and risk of transformation into melanoma are reviewed. Techniques of biopsy and indications for follow‐up are discussed. A brief review of giant congenital melanocytic nevi in the newborn is also included. This congenital melanocytic nevus found on the right upper arm of the patient had become larger and darker over the past year. The recent change and the irregular borders rendered the lesion suspicious. An excisional biopsy with 2‐mm borders was performed to exclude the possibility of melanoma. image
Retapamulin Ointment Twice Daily for 5 Days vs Oral Cephalexin Twice Daily for 10 Days for Empiric Treatment of Secondarily Infected Traumatic Lesions of the Skin
Authors: Free Almena , Roth Eli , Dalessandro Marybeth , Hirman Joseph , Scangarella Nicole , Shawar Ribhi , White Scott ,   on behalf of the SB275833/030 Study Group
Published: February 2007

Introduction: Retapamulin is a novel, topical antibacterial of the pleuromutilin class in development for the treatment of secondarily infected traumatic lesions of the skin.
Methods: The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical retapamulin ointment, 1% for 5 days twice daily was evaluated in 2 identical, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, multicenter studies vs oral cephalexin, 500 mg twice daily for 10 days, in 1904 patients with secondarily infected traumatic lesions.
Results: Clinical success rates were 89.5% in protocol‐adherent patients receiving retapamulin compared with 91.9% for cephalexin (treatment difference, −2.5% [95% confidence interval, −5.4% to 0.5%]). In patients with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes at baseline, clinical success was 89.2% (365/409) for retapamulin and 92.6% (63/68) for cephalexin. Safety and tolerability were similar between treatments. Noncompliance (defined as using or taking <80% of doses) was recorded in 8.0% (51/636) of patients taking cephalexin compared with 0.39% (5/1268) of patients receiving retapamulin.
Conclusions: Retapamulin offers a novel, effective, and convenient topical treatment for secondarily infected traumatic lesions.
Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the study of human skin melanocytes
Authors: Passeron Thierry , Coelho Sergio G. , Miyamura Yoshinori , Takahashi Kaoruko , Hearing Vincent J. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract:Although keratinocytes are the most numerous type of cell in the skin, melanocytes are also key players as they produce and distribute melanin that protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In vitro experiments on melanocytic cell lines are useful to study melanogenesis and their progression towards melanoma. However, interactions of melanocytes with keratinocytes and with other types of cells in the skin, such as fibroblasts and Langerhans cells, are also crucial. We describe two techniques, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue in situ hybridization (TISH), that can be used to identify and study melanocytes in the skin and their responses to UV or other stimuli in situ. We describe a practical method to localize melanocytic antigens on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections and in frozen sections using indirect immunofluorescence with conjugated secondary antibodies. In addition, we detail the use of TISH and its combination with IHC to study mRNA levels of genes expressed in the skin at cellular resolution. This methodology, along with relevant tips and troubleshooting items, are important tools to identify and study melanocytes in the skin.
Characterization of the Macrophage‐Stimulating Activity from Ureaplasma urealyticum
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Freeman Angela. J. , Mu Hong H. , Cole Barry C. 
Published: February 2007

ProblemIntra‐amniotic infection is the most common cause of preterm labor. Infections are thought to cause preterm labor by increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines at the maternal–fetal interface. Experiments with cell culture and animal models have indicated that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines in reproductive tissues. The majority of intrauterine infections, however, are associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum, which does not contain LPS. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to understand better the bacterial factor(s) that are responsible for the proinflammatory effects of U. urealyticum.Method of study U. urealyticum was cultivated in 3–4 L 10B broth, harvested by centrifugation, washed with saline and frozen at −85°C until use. Cells were then extracted with Triton X‐114 and the macrophage‐stimulating activity (MSA) of the preparations was studied by evaluating their ability to stimulate tumor necrosis factor‐α production by a monocytic cell line (THP‐1 cells). Additional studies involved testing the sensitivity of the detergent extracts to heating, alkaline hydrolysis and proteinase K digestion. Interaction of Triton X‐114 extracts with Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 and TLR‐4 was evaluated using cell lines transfected with one of these receptors, CD14 and a reporter gene.ResultsExtraction of U. urealyticum with Triton X‐114 demonstrated that the MSA preferentially partitioned to the detergent phase. The MSA of the detergent extracts was abrogated by proteinase K digestion or alkaline hydrolysis but only partially inhibited by heating. Further studies suggested that the detergent extracts could activate both TLR‐2 and TLR‐4.ConclusionThese experiments suggest that the MSA of U. urealyticum is lipophillic, sensitive to alkaline hydrolysis and proteinase K digestion, partially sensitive to heating. These properties are consistent with the activity being due to a lipoprotein. Unlike other Mycoplasma species, the MSA of U. urealyticum appears to interact with both TLR‐2 and TLR‐4. Purification of the molecule(s) that regulate this activity may provide good therapeutic targets for anti‐inflammatory strategies to prevent preterm labor caused by intrauterine infection with U. urealyticum.
The Relationship of Systemic TNF‐α and IFN‐γ with IVF Treatment Outcome and Peripheral Blood NK Cells
Authors: Thum Meen‐Yau , Abdalla Hossam I. , Bhaskaran Shree , Harden Emily L. , Ford Brian , Sumar Nazira , Shehata Hassan , Bansal Amolak 
Published: February 2007

BackgroundTo evaluate the association of serum tumour necrotic factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ levels with IVF treatment outcome and peripheral blood NK cells.MethodsProspective observational study of 126 randomly selected women who underwent IVF treatment. The serum levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were determined by multiplex suspension beads array system.ResultsThere were no significant differences with regard to the systemic TNF‐α and IFN‐γ levels between the pregnant (n = 51, TNF‐α: 53.5 pg/mL; IFN‐γ: 4.6 pg/mL) and not pregnant (n = 75, TNF‐α: 63.0; IFN‐γ: 7.5) women after IVF treatment. For those women with a positive pregnancy after IVF treatment, the systemic TNF‐α and IFN‐γ levels were higher in those women who miscarried (n = 13, TNF‐α: 67.4; IFN‐γ: 9.1) when compared with those who had a live birth (n = 38, TNF‐α: 48.7; IFN‐γ: 1.4), however this difference was not statistically significant. Interestingly, the systemic TNF‐α and IFN‐γ levels were significantly higher in women who had a higher level of activated (CD69+) NK cells (n = 39, TNF‐α: 86.8; IFN‐γ: 4.7) when compared with women who had a low level of activated NK cells (n = 87, TNF‐α: 46.9; IFN‐γ: 1.7 P = 0.028 and 0.045 respectively).ConclusionThe systemic levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ have no association with implantation rate or miscarriage rate in women undergoing IVF treatment. However, high levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ are associated with elevated levels of activated NK cells and this may subsequently exert a negative impact on reproduction.
Expression of Inducible Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase in Local Lesions of Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Chishima Fumihisa , Hayakawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Sugitani Masahiko , Karasaki‐Suzuki Miki , Sugita Kenji , Nemoto Norimichi 
Published: February 2007

ProblemRecently, an inducible microsomal human prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES) was identified. This enzyme converts the cyclooxygenase (COX) product, prostaglandin (PG) H2, to PGE2, an eicosanoid linked to carcinogenesis. Although elevated levels of PGE2 have been observed in many tumor types including colorectal adenomas and cancers, its role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis is unknown. We previously reported increased expression of COX‐2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in local lesions of endometriosis. To further elucidate the mechanism responsible for the elevated levels of PGE2 in endometriosis, we examined the expression levels of mPGES.Method of studySamples were obtained from 28 patients, fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical analysis. We examined the expression of mPGES mRNA in seven cases by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction using total RNA extracted from frozen samples.ResultsImmunohistochemistry revealed increased mPGES immunoreactivity in endometriosis samples compared with eutopic endometria. Microsomal PGES immunoreactivity was observed in both epithelial cells and stromal or inflammatory cells of endometriosis. Increased expression of mPGES‐1 mRNA was detected in most of the endometriosis samples.ConclusionOur results suggest that expression of mPGES in addition to COX‐2 plays a role in increasing PGE2 production in endometriosis.
Early Twentieth‐Century British Women Travellers to Greece: Contextualizing the Example of Virginia Woolf
Authors: Klironomos Martha 
Published: February 2007

This paper forms part of a Literature Compass cluster of articles which examines the current state of Virgina Woolf Studies and aims to provide a snapshot of the field. Urmila Seshagiri (University of Tennessee) and Rishona Zimring (Lewis and Clark College) first provide an introduction for this paper along with Thaine Stearns's article, ‘“Others Wanted to Travel”: Woolf and “America Herself”.’ The full text of Martha Klironomos's piece then follows.These papers grew out of the 15th Annual International Virginia Woolf Conference (College of Lewis and Clark, Portland, OR, June 9–12, 2005).The full cluster is made up of the following articles:‘Introduction: Virginia Woolf and The Art of Exploration,’ Urmila Seshagiri and Rishona Zimring, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00393.x‘Virginia Woolf's Sense of Adventure,’ Maria DiBattista, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00394.x‘The Twentieth Part: Virginia Woolf in the British Museum Reading Room,’ Benjamin Harvey, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00395.x‘“Street Haunting”: Phantasmagorias of the Modern Imperial Metropolis,’ Sara Gerend, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00396.x‘Hyde Park Gate News,’ Gill Lowe, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00397.x‘The Art of “Scene‐Making” in the Charleston Bulletin Supplements,’ Claudia Olk, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00398.x‘A Camera of Her Own: Woolf and the Legacy of the Indomitable Mrs. Cameron,’ Emily Setina, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00399.x‘Woolfian Resonances,’ Anne Fernald, Literature Compass 3 (2006), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00400.x‘Early Twentieth‐Century British Women Travellers to Greece: Contextualizing the Example of Virginia Woolf,’ Martha Klironomos, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00401.x‘“Others Wanted to Travel”: Woolf and “America Herself”,’ Thaine Stearns, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00402.x
Recruiting older participants to a randomised trial of a community‐based fall prevention program
Authors: Clemson Lindy , Taylor Kirsty , Kendig Hal , Cumming Robert G , Swann Megan 
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To describe the effectiveness of recruitment strategies used for a randomised trial of a fall prevention program. Methods: Community‐residing persons (n = 310) aged 70 years or older and at risk of falling were recruited using promotional materials, health professional referrals, media, community presentations, mail outs, and friends/relatives. Mail and telephone recruitment strategies were able to be compared to actual recruitment yields, with costs reported for each. Results: Mail outs by organisations had response rates between 3.1 and 7.7%, with recruitment yields between 1.8 and 4.4%. Local media editorials were low cost and useful. Gender and physical status of participants varied according to the recruitment method, with multisources producing a reasonably representative sample. Conclusions: Databases and mail outs using personalised letters were the most effective recruitment strategies for a community‐based preventive program. This study contributes to the expanding evidence of the kinds of recruitment that are more effective, considering the context of the study and the intervention.