bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calculation of nail plate and nail matrix parameters by 20 MHz ultrasound in healthy volunteers and patients with skin disease
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Berger Martin , Karte Kerstin 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The objective, but noninvasive, assessment of the nail plate and nail matrix is of interest in dermatology, and cosmetics as well. These cutaneous structures were investigated with 20 MHz ultrasound. This study was performed to obtain data on normal nails in adults of different age groups, with a left–right comparison, and to investigate nail changes in selected dermatologic diseases.Methods: Healthy controls (n=34) and patients with dermatologic complaints and nail disease (n=37) were included after informed consent. In the control group, 18 woman and 16 men with a mean age of 37.2 years (range 15 to 82 years) were investigated for age‐ and gender‐related differences. Patients with one of the following disorders were investigated: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n=11), systemic sclerosis (PSS; n=8), psoriasis (n=9), chronic hand eczema (n=5), and others (n=4). Measurements of length and width of the nail plate and the lunulae were performed with a micrometer device. Sonography was performed with a 20 MHz probe in B‐scan mode.Results: The mean nail thickness of healthy controls varied between 0.481 mm (right thumb) and 0.397 mm (left fifth finger). The nail volume and the matrix volume disclosed a positive, but mostly nonsignificant, correlation for all controls. Age‐specific differences were investigated for both genders. In men and women, the matrix volume increased significantly with age. The nail and matrix volume was higher in men than in women, independent of age. The left–right comparison disclosed a trend to higher nail and matrix volumes on the right hand. In patients with SLE there was an increase in nail thickness and in matrix volume. Patients with PSS showed a significant decrease in nail thickness and matrix volume. In other diseases the measurements disclosed no confident differences to healthy controls.Conclusion: The 20 MHz ultrasound offers a noninvasive method to calculate nail thickness, nail volume and matrix volume in healthy volunteers and in nail disease. Skin diseases show characteristic quantitative changes in these parameters.
Comparison of two pH meters used for skin surface pH measurement: the pH meter ‘pH900’ from Courage & Khazaka versus the pH meter ‘1140’ from Mettler Toledo
Authors: Ehlers C. , Ivens U. I. , Møller M. L. , Senderovitz T. , Serup J. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Measurement of skin surface pH is used in clinical research to evaluate hazardous shifts in pH following external exposures and to evaluate the state of diseased skin with acute or chronic changes. It is therefore important to measure skin surface pH as precisely as possible. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available pH meters used for skin surface pH measurement, to reveal differences between them in measured skin pH on the forearm.Methods: The first pH meter (pH900) had a pointed electrode and a stabilisation period of 3 s. The second pH meter (pH meter 1140) had a circular electrode and no fixed stabilisation period. Twelve healthy subjects (6 male and 6 female Caucasians) entered the study. The pH measurements were performed once an hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both forearms in five areas from the elbow to the “wristwatch” zone. In each area, three measurements were performed next to each other with both pH meters (15 measurements per arm per hour per pH meter).Results: The pH900 has a higher measuring level and a higher variation than the pH meter 1140.Conclusion: A skin surface pH meter with a circular electrode and with no fixed stabilisation period is preferable. It is recommended that the pH meter be allowed to stabilise for at least 7 s before the result is read.
Females have lower skin surface pH than men
Authors: Ehlers C. , Ivens U. I. , Møller M. L. , Senderovitz T. , Serup J. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: It is of great interest to describe the many functions and properties of the skin in order to better understand reactions that result in different skin abnormalities, as a prerequisite in the development of skin products and topical medicines. Skin surface pH is considered a critical parameter of skin wellbeing and is typically studied on the forearm skin. Despite many previous investigations, this is an extensive field that still needs a great deal of research. The aim of our study was to investigate gender related differences, differences between right and left arms, anatomical variation and daytime variation in skin surface pH.Methods: Skin surface pH was measured on the flexor surface of the forearm on eleven healthy volunteers (6 men and 5 women). A Mettler Toledo pH meter (pH meter 1140) was used. The subjects were measured once every hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in five areas from the elbow to the wrist. In each of the five areas, three measurements were performed next to each other, and the mean of these was used in subsequent calculations.Results: A statistically significant difference in skin pH between men (mean pH=5.80) and women (mean pH=5.54) was found, with women being more acidic than men (P<0.01). No difference between right and left arm was found. In men, the area closest to the wrist had significantly lower pH values compared with the proximal sites. This was not the case in women. Skin surface pH decreased during normal working hours in both genders.Conclusion: Spontaneous skin surface pH was found to be significantly lower in women, as compared to men – albeit, the difference was small and of unknown relevance. Nevertheless, comparative studies on skin surface pH should be balanced with respect to gender. There appeared to be no right/left difference and no systematic change during the working day. Also, measurements should not be conducted close to the wrist.
Three‐dimensional analyses of individual corneocytes with atomic force microscope: morphological changes related to age, location and to the pathologic skin conditions
Authors: Kashibuchi Nobuo , Hirai Yoshikazu , O'Goshi Kenichiro , Tagami Hachiro 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The past morphological studies on individual corneocytes have so far mainly focused on their two‐dimensional characteristics, particularly on their projected area, which have been widely employed for the estimation of the turnover rate of the stratum corneum because of the practical use. However, sometimes a poor correlation has been reported between the projected area of corneocytes and actually measured turnover time of the stratum corneum. The objective of the present study is to perform detailed three‐dimensional measurements of individual corneocytes with atomic force microscope. Through analyses of the obtained data, we tried to find morphological parameters that reflect more closely the differentiation process of the corneocytes in the stratum corneum than the frequently used two‐dimensional projected area.Methods: We measured such morphological parameters as the volume, average thickness and real surface area of individual corneocytes isolated from the covered skin (the flexor surface of the upper arm) and the exposed skin (the cheek) of 12 healthy individuals belonging to different age brackets, in addition to their projected area. We further introduced a new parameter, a flatness index calculated by dividing the projected area of corneocytes by their thickness. Similarly, we measured corneocytes obtained from eight patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriatic patients.Results: Obtained results showed that most of these morphological parameters varied greatly depending upon the anatomical location and age of the subjects. Needless to say great differences were found between healthy skin and lesional skin of atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, the volume and thickness of corneocytes collected from the same location of normal skin of the covered area (upper arm) with tape‐strippings were noted to decrease as they differentiated in the stratum corneum, showing an increase in their surface area and projected area with a resultant increase in the flatness index. Moreover, the corneocyte collected from the lesional skin of AD or psoriasis showed a great decrease in flatness index, reflecting their poor differentiation in the stratum corneum due to its enhanced turnover rate.Most of all, we found a poor correlation between the projected area and the various three‐dimensional morphologic parameters of the corneocytes, indicating that the projected area does not reflect the volume or thickness of corneocytes that are also greatly influenced by the differentiation process of corneocytes in the stratum corneum.Conclusions: To estimate the differentiation speed of the corneocytes, we suggest using their flatness index rather than the two‐dimensional cell surface area, because the former is a concept that takes into account the three‐dimensional characteristics of corneocytes.
Investigation of basal cell carcionoma by confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo
Authors: Sauermann K. , Gambichler T. , Wilmert M. , Rotterdam S. , Stücker M. , Altmeyer P. , Hoffmann K. 
Published: March 2003

Background/purpose In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) allows to study human skin up to 200 µm deep non‐invasively. Aim of this study was to investigate basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using in vivo CLSM, and to compare the micromorphologic features of BCC with uninvolved skin.Methods Twelve patients with histological diagnosis of BCC referred to our department for tumor excision were investigated on the lesion(s) and on clinically uninvolved sites preoperatively by in vivo CLSM using the Vivascope 1000 (Lucid Inc., Rochester, USA). The images were compared to histological examinations of the excised tissue.Results Typical changes in vasculature such as increase in number and diameter of the blood vessels, loss of the vascular architecture, parallelly and horizontally orientated vessels, and accumulation and rolling phenomena of bright reflecting cells of 11.88 ± 1.75 µm in diameter along the vessel wall were observed in all BCCs. The tumor stroma of the BCCs showed a strong reflectance mainly due to numerous bundles of collagen fibers encoating dark, cell‐rich areas of tumor parenchym. In five patients, slim basaloid cells with relatively large, elongated dark nuclei were observed in the periphery of the tumor parenchym. In the fibrosing type of BCC, curled bundles of collagen with large cells represented the tumor stroma.Conclusions BCC can be investigated by CLSM and provide typical features. Besides the tumor parenchym and stroma, typical changes in vasculature seem to be a sensitive criteria for BCC and may in future help in diagnosing BCC by CLSM as well as in assessing the margins of large tumors. We suggest that CLSM is a promising non‐invasive tool for the diagnostics of BCC and the assessment of tumor margins prior to surgery.
Oral status, cognitive and functional capacity versus oral treatment need in nursing home residents: a comparison between assessments by dental and ward staff
Authors: Nordenram G , Ljunggren G 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to study the relationships between cognitive and functional capacity versus oral health and treatment need and to compare oral status assessments and oral treatment need, assessed by nurses and dental professionals, respectively.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.SETTING: Nursing home.SUBJECTS: One hundred and ninety‐two nursing home residents were examined in 1997.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive and functional capacity in different groups of residents regarding oral health and treatment need, measured by a comprehensive assessment with the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and dental status in a separate examination protocol, recorded by a dentist.RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between being dentate and having need of oral treatment. Those who were able to chew also had significantly better cognitive and functional capacity. Oral treatment need was identified most often by the dentist, intermediately by the RAI assessment and least frequently by the residents themselves.CONCLUSIONS: Being dentate and having a loss of cognitive and functional capacity is predictive of oral treatment need among nursing home residents. Enhanced interaction between nurses and dental professionals needs to be promoted for better awareness of preventive measures and better regular oral care for frail and dependent elderly persons.
Minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis and smoking: an epidemiological study measuring plasma cotinine
Authors: Atkin PA , Xu X , Thornhill MH 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To compare blood cotinine levels between a group of patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and a group representative of the general population, matched for age and gender.SETTING:  Although smoking has been implicated as a protective factor in RAS, few studies have compared the prevalence of smoking in RAS patients with population controls. Cotinine is a smoking derivative with a long half‐life in the circulation. Measurement of plasma cotinine levels provides an accurate and objective measurement of an individual's cigarette consumptionMETHODS: Blood samples were taken from 84 RAS patients and 81 controls. A microplate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to detect plasma cotinine levels.RESULTS: The number of RAS patients [2 (2.4%)] who were smokers (plasma cotinine >25 μg ml−1) was significantly lower than in the control group [12 (14.8%); P=0.00102]. Furthermore, the mean cotinine level amongst smokers in the RAS group was significantly lower than in smokers in the control group (P=0.0068).CONCLUSION: This study shows that a group of RAS patients is significantly less likely to contain smokers than a matched control population, and among smokers the level of cigarette use was significantly lower in RAS patients than the control population. The perceived negative association between RAS and smoking was supported by this epidemiological study.
A histopathological and lectin‐histochemical study of the lining epithelium in postoperative maxillary cysts
Authors: Maruyama M , Onodera K , Ooya K 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: Histopathological and lectin‐histochemical characteristics were studied in the lining epithelium of postoperative maxillary cysts (POMC).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological (HE, PAS, AB), immunohistochemical (CD3 and L26) and lectin (wheat germ agglutinin, WGA; Ulex europaeus agglutinin I, UEA‐I; concanavalin A, ConA) stainings were performed in the 360 POMC specimens. The number of goblet cells and inflammatory cells was counted and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: The lining epithelium was classified into three types based on histopathological characteristics; pseudostratified ciliated epithelium (pSCE), transitional epithelium (TE) and stratified squamous epithelium (SSE). Local infiltration of inflammatory cells into the cyst wall was associated with an increased number of goblet cells in the lining epithelium. The observed association between the infiltration of inflammatory cells and an increase in the number of goblet cells was statistically significant in groups with lining pSCE and TE. Glycoconjugate histochemical analysis revealed that the surfaces of the lining epithelium with squamous metaplasia showed an increased degree of staining reactivity with UEA‐I, whereas the staining reactivity with ConA was reduced. Goblet cells were able to be stained with WGA and UEA‐I, but showed extremely low reactivity with ConA.CONCLUSION: Changes in the glycoconjugate expression of the metaplastic lining epithelium and goblet cell development play an important role in the local defense mechanisms against inflammatory factors in POMC.
Bone Loss Predicts Subsequent Cognitive Decline in Older Women: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Lui Li‐Yung , Stone Katie , Cauley Jane A. , Hillier Teresa , Yaffe Kristine 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the rate of bone loss predicts subsequent cognitive decline independently of baseline bone mass and whether apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype explains the association.DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.SETTING: Clinical centers in Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Portland, Oregon.PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand four hundred sixty‐two women aged 70 and older (mean = 75.8) participating in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.MEASUREMENTS: Total hipbone mineral density (BMD) was measured 2 and 6 years after enrollment (mean follow‐up = 3.5 years), and expressed as annualized percentage rate of bone change. A modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (mMMSE) was administered at 6 and 10 years (mean follow‐up = 4.5 years) and defined cognitive decline as a decline of three or more points on repeat mMMSE score. ApoE genotype information was available on 883 women.RESULTS: Cognitive decline occurred in 12% of the women with the least bone loss (by quartile), 14% in the second, 16% in the third, and 20% in those with the greatest bone loss. After adjustment for age, education, stroke, functional status, estrogen use, body mass index, and smoking, the results were similar. Those who lost the most BMD were almost 40% more likely than women in the lowest quartile to develop cognitive decline in the multivariate model (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–1.8). A similar association between hipbone loss and cognitive decline was observed in the multivariate model further adjusting for ApoE e4 (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.8–2.7).CONCLUSIONS: Women with more rapid hipbone loss were more likely to develop cognitive decline than those who had lower rate of loss (or who gained bone mass). Differences in functional status, estrogen use, and ApoE did not explain this association. Further investigation is needed to determine the mechanisms that link osteoporosis and cognitive decline.
Distribution of Androgen Receptor mRNA Expression and Immunoreactivity in the Brain of the Green Anole Lizard
Authors: Rosen G. , O'Bryant E. , Matthews J. , Zacharewski T. , Wade J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMale courtship and copulation are androgen dependent in the green anole lizard, and female receptivity can be facilitated by testosterone. However, only a few, and relatively large, regions in the brain have been implicated in the control of these behaviours. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were therefore used to determine in detail where androgens are likely to act in the brains of breeding males and females. A 697‐bp fragment of the anole androgen receptor (AR) was cloned from total RNA isolated from the kidney, which contains the highly androgen‐sensitive renal sex segment. The cloned fragment spanned part of the C, the entire D, and part of the E domains, and shared a high degree of similarity with the AR of various species. 35S‐labelled antisense and sense probes were generated from the 697‐bp fragment for use in in situ hybridization, and the AR antibody PG‐21 was used for immunohistochemistry. Both sexes consistently had AR mRNA expression and immunoreactivity in areas associated with vertebrate reproductive behaviours and in motor areas of the brainstem. Interestingly, the PG‐21 antibody produced labelling in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, including neuronal processes. The distribution of mRNA and immunoreactivity were comparable in males and females, and the amount of labelling was generally similar, although slightly greater in females. The expression pattern of AR in this species supports the idea that distribution is highly conserved among vertebrates, but that it probably does not dictate behavioural differences between the sexes in anoles.
Melatonin Modulates [3H]Serotonin Release in the Rat Hippocampus: Effects of Circadian Rhythm
Authors: Monnet F. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSerotonin (5‐HT) participates as a neurotransmitter in the control of the circadian sleep/wake rhythm, feeding and sexual behaviours, and emotional and affective states. The present study investigated whether melatonin affects the circadian rhythm of 5‐HT neurotransmission in the hippocampus, a major target for serotoninergic antidepressants. The present results show a daytime dependency of [3H]5‐HT uptake insensitive to melatonin, with a peak from 14.00 h to 22.00 h and a trough from 02.00 h to 06.00 h. They also indicate that melatonin reduced the spontaneous efflux of [3H]5‐HT as well as KCl‐evoked release of [3H]5‐HT during the dark phase, while it increased the evoked release during the light phase. Both effects were concentration‐dependent; the facilitatory effect was maximum at high nanomolar concentrations of melatonin, whereas the inhibition preferentially occurred at low concentrations. Finally, nifedipine, an effective antagonist of l‐type voltage‐sensitive calcium channels, prevented the effects of melatonin on KCl‐evoked [3H]5‐HT release during the light but not the dark phase. Together, these data suggest the involvement of two distinct mechanisms by which melatonin might regulate both spontaneous efflux and evoked release of 5‐HT in the hippocampus.
Leaf age affects the seasonal pattern of photosynthetic capacityand net ecosystem exchange of carbon in a deciduous forest
Authors: Wilson K. B. , Baldocchi D. D. , Hanson P. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTemporal trends in photosynthetic capacity are a critical factorin determining the seasonality and magnitude of ecosystem carbonfluxes. At a mixed deciduous forest in the south‐eastern United States (Walker Branch Watershed, Oak Ridge, TN, USA), we independently measured seasonal trends in photosynthetic capacity (using single‐leaf gas exchange techniques) and the whole‐canopycarbon flux (using the eddy covariance method). Soil respiration was also measured using chambers and an eddy covariance system beneath the canopy. These independent chamber and eddy covariance measurements, along with a biophysical model (CANOAK), areused to examine how leaf age affects the seasonal pattern of carbon uptake during the growing season. When the measured seasonality in photosynthetic capacity is representedin the CANOAK simulations, there is good agreement with the eddy covariance data on the seasonal trends in carbon uptake. Removing the temporal trends in the simulations by using the early season maximum value of photosynthetic capacity over the entire growing season over estimates the annual carbon uptake by about 300 g C m−2 year−1– halfthe total estimated annual net ecosystem exchange. Alternatively, use of the mean value of photosynthetic capacity incorrectly simulates the seasonality in carbon uptake by the forest. In addition to changes related to leaf development and senescence, photosynthetic capacitydecreased in the middle and late summer, even when leaf nitrogenwas essentially constant. When only these middle and late summer reductions were neglected in the model simulations, CANOAK still overestimated the carbon uptake by an amount comparable to 25% ofthe total annual net ecosystem exchange.